Joseph Richard Novis

Mr. Joseph Richard Novis of Marietta, born on January 24, 1936 in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at age 82 on February 16, 2018. Some called him Big Joe or Papa Joe. To his wife of 58 years, Terri, and others he was simply Joe. To his family he was Pop or Gramps or Great Gramps or Great Great Gramps. No matter the term of endearment, Joe was known, respected and loved by many and will be greatly missed for a very long time. Joe accomplished many wonderful things in his life. As a young man he enlisted and served honorably in both the Marine reserves and the Air Force. He excelled as a consummate salesman for each company he worked for in the field of telecommunications. Because of his love for sports - golf in particular - he took the opportunity to move his growing family farther south with each company and address change, eventually settling in Marietta, Georgia in the early 70s. Joe’s entrepreneurial spirit soon took over. Through hard work, dedication and the creation of an invention used in the telecom industry, he started his own successful company which, anchored in his philosophies, values and ethics, remains so to this day. Joe’s business accomplishments were amazing, but his passion and true love always began with his family and friends. One of his cousins once said, “when it came to being a husband, father or friend, Joe set the bar. We all looked to him as the example”. There are hundreds of pictures of him with Terri and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at many different activities during their lives. Joe often coached the little league teams of his children and attended and participated in many other activities – sports, award ceremonies, veteran’s breakfasts, and even karate exhibitions - with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joe and Terri’s love for all things Disney accounted for many pictures with his family in the shadow of Cinderella’s Castle or happily screaming while descending very rapidly on the Tower of Terror ride. He unselfishly gave of himself and his time to his family without limits. His sincere interest in people and natural easy-going manner made him popular and unforgettable throughout his community. On Saturday evenings after church, you could usually find Joe and Terri talking and laughing with family or friends at Carrabba’s, Red Lobster or Cherokee Cattle Co. It wouldn't be unusual to see him grabbing a bite to eat and laughing with his friends at Waffle House before he headed up to the office each weekday and often on Saturdays. A highly spiritual man and a devout Catholic throughout his life, his membership at St. Joseph Catholic church for more than four decades led him to spend countless hours as a volunteer with The St. Vincent De Paul Society for many, many years. The next time you find yourself at one of his favorite watering holes, belly up to the bar, order a Cutty & water and raise your glass to a wonderful, beloved man who will be deeply missed. I know we will. Joe is survived by his wife, Theresa, his children and their spouses, Paul & Ellen Novis, Peter & Sherry Novis, Joey & Cindy Novis, Theresa Novis Brown & David Brown, and Matt & Amy Novis, his grandchildren Alex, David, Emily, Anna Marie, Chanin, Amber, Grace, Luke, Faith, Emma and Austin, and his great-grandchildren Kalei, Justin and Jazmyn. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The St. Vincent De Paul Society.