Dr. Donald John Novak

Dr. Don Novak, 87 of Canton MA passed away peacefully among family October 10th, 2025. Don was a scholar, a philosopher and creative thinker. He enjoyed spirited discussion and would always amaze with his depth of knowledge on a vast range of topics. After graduating from St. Ignatius (Jesuit HS, Cleveland), Don spent his undergraduate years first attending a seminary and then a BA and MS at Xavier Univ. in philosophy. Don spent a year in France on a fellowship program. He then went on to Boston College to gain a PhD in Philosophy.

Don worked for over 30 years at Massachusetts General Hospital. Don taught theology, philosophy, and ethics at Xavier, Marycrest, Northeastern, Stonehill and Boston College. In his spare time Don was passionate about classical music and recorded many orchestral performances and had an extensive classical record collection. Don enjoyed tinkering, repairing clocks, restoring antiques and building personal computers.

Don was born in Cleveland, OH and was the second born of ten children, the son of the late Edward and Julia Novak, OH. He is survived by his siblings: Mary Louise Walsh (William) OH, Judith Wheeler (James) CT, Thomas Novak (Mary Ann) OH, Elizabeth Heyworth (the late Anthony H.) IN, Therese Mason (Scott) RI, Edward Novak (Beth) VA, Anne Novak Wash. DC and the late Robert Novak and Susan Novak and many, many nieces and nephews.

Don was a devout Catholic layperson, Eucharistic Minister, CCD instructor, and choir member of St. Oscar Romero Church, Canton MA. He deeply trusted his faith and lived a Christian life with grace, compassion and humility.

A special thanks is offered to Brigham and Women’s Hospital and ICU D8 Staff for their kind care of Don in his final days and hours.

A visitation and funeral Mass will be held at St. Oscar Romero Church 700 Washington St., Canton, Wed. Oct. 22. Visitation 930-1100 with Mass following. Interment will be private.

Donations may be made in Don’s memory to St. John’s School Foundation, 696 Washington St, Canton MA 02021.

“Don trusted in his faith and lived his life as a Christian with grace, compassion, kindness, honesty and humility.

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