NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mr. Joseph C. Novak Jr., 81, of North Adams, formerly of Adams, died Sunday evening, February 25, 2018, at Hillcrest Commons in Pittsfield.

He was born in Adams on December 3, 1936, the son of the late Joseph and Emma (Bruffee) Novak, and attended Adams schools, including the former Adams High School. He had lived in Adams until moving to North Adams last year. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1960 until his Honorable Discharge in 1963.

Mr. Novak last worked as a mechanic at Specialty Minerals, Inc. and Pfizer, Inc. in Adams for over 40 years, until his retirement. Earlier, he had worked briefly at the former Arnold Print Works in Adams.

He was a communicant of the Parish of St. John Paul II in Adams. He was a member of the Adams Turners and enjoyed bowling, golfing and fishing. He also served as an assistant coach with the Adams Babe Ruth League for several years.

He is survived by his wife, the former Deborah A. Raedel, whom he married on June 14, 1975; two sons, Gary Novak and his wife, Carol, of Palmer, Mass., and Todd Novak and his wife, Kim, of Westminster, Vt.; two daughters, Jennifer Walker and her husband, Robert, of Adams and Linda Novak and her companion, John Packard, of North Adams; 10 grandchildren, including Michael, Erica, Byron, Katie, Todd, Brenna, Samantha, Scot Jr., Logan and Hayden; and two great-grandchildren, Layla and Jude.

Funeral notice: Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at noon in the Paciorek Funeral Home, 13 Hoosac St. Adams. The Rev. Steven Montesanti, Pastor of the Parish of St. John Paul II, Adams, will officiate. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery, Adams.

Calling hours are Wednesday, February 28, 2018, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society, 214 Barker Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201.