CMSgt Joel Emil Novak, 79, passed away peacefully at his home on October 9, 2025, with his loving family by his side after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Joel was the beloved son of the late Emil and Shirley (Ross) Novak. He dedicated his life to service—both to his country and to his family. A highly decorated veteran, he served with honor and distinction for 42 years in the United States Air Force and the Massachusetts Air National Guard (ANG), retiring as Command Chief Master Sergeant of the MA ANG. His military career included assignments at Tuy Hoa Air Base in Vietnam, Topsham AFB ME, and MacDill AFB FL. He was immensely proud of his military service, and his deep patriotism was evident to all who knew him. It was with much pride that he decorated our military Christmas tree celebrating multi-generational military family and friends on Veterans Day each year.

Joel continued to serve his community through a 22 year career as an electronic computer systems technician for National Grid, creating additional family ties for life. Not done giving back, Joel taught at Baypath Vocational Regional Technical High School as the former facility management instructor. Following that as the lead custodian at Charlton Baptist Church.

Joel was a proud member of the American Legion and a devoted youth coach, dedicating countless hours to coaching his children in soccer, baseball, and softball. He also served as president of the cheerleading parent group and both coached and played, with enthusiasm, on the 101st TCS softball team—memories his family and friends will cherish forever. Above all, Joel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His life was guided by loyalty, integrity, generosity and an unwavering love for his family.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, best friend, and dedicated caregiver, Susan (Gauthier) Leboeuf; his sons, Barry J. Novak and his wife Lisa of Auburn, Brian J. Novak, and his wife Erin of Oxford and Jason M. Leboeuf and his wife Danielle, of Charlton; his daughter, Kristen M. (Leboeuf) Lemire and her husband Douglas of Charlton; and his cherished grandchildren, Barry Jr, Alyssa, Matthew, Sophie, Stella, Theodore, Roman and great-grandchildren, Logan and Ryder who brought immense joy to his life. Joel is also survived by his loving siblings: Timothy Novak and his wife Christine, Michael Novak and his wife Mary, Chris Novak and his wife Cindy, Sandra (Novak) Czerwinski and her husband Ray, Kathleen (Novak) Sobczak and her husband Roger, and Terri (Novak) Long and her husband Larry; as well as many nieces and nephews near and far.

Additionally, an enormous thank you to our caregiver family; Compassus Hospice Care of Auburn and Always Best Care Senior Services of Framingham and our amazing caregivers, Heartwill, Denise and Julianne.

Family and friends are welcomed to a celebration of Joel’s life with visiting hours Thursday, October 16th from 9:00am until 11:00am at Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester. A funeral service will begin at 11:00am in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joel’s memory to Veterans Inc. or the Leicester Food Pantry c/o St. Joseph–St. Pius X Parish, causes close to his heart.

Joel’s legacy of service, strength, and love will continue to inspire all who were privileged to know him. He will be deeply missed.