Obituary of Charles M. Novak

Charles ‘Chuck’ Novak passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on May 30, 2026, at St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville, NJ. He was 52.

Chuck was born March 16, 1974, and was raised in Randolph, NJ. He attended Ironia Elementary School, Randolph Middle School and was a 1992 graduate of Randolph High School.

Chuck met the love of his life, Malissa Carter in 2001 and the two became quite the billiards team, often dominating the pool table at The Knotty Pine in Wharton, NJ, where they met. They began dating in 2003 and never looked back. They married in May 2007 and initially resided in Rockaway, NJ before settling in their forever home in Denville, NJ. They recently celebrated 19 years married. There was a special devotion they had to each other which was amazing to watch. Malissa was first diagnosed with cancer in 2004 and Chuck was her champion and caregiver and through some very difficult times, their love never wavered. Then Chuck had his own cancer diagnosis in January 2024, which he fought and beat, and Malissa was his caregiver and supporter. They were quite the team.

While Chuck and Malissa never had children, they both had a soft spot for their furry family members. Until recently, they were big dog people. Over the years, they adopted Boomer, Dutch, Brewski and Bentley, all gentle giants, each at 100 lbs. or more with sweet personalities. Then recently, they welcomed Wilson, a 35 lb. Frenchton into their lives. Wilson is best known for ransacking their living room and providing countless hours of fetching and tug o’ war entertainment.

Chuck worked for Randolph, NJ’s Parks & Recreation Department for nearly 35 years, having just retired in March of 2026. While working for “Parks and Rec” over the years, Chuck worked on crews that maintained Brundage Park, Freedom Park and Heistein Park. That included mechanically maintaining all the equipment as well as ensuring all the fields were prepared for all of the town’s recreation activities. Given his operational knowledge and history having worked at all 3 locations, Chuck’s final role was as the “Park’s Foreman” in charge of all three parks. where just about all things ran through him. He also added support to the Road Department. During some of Randolph’s worst snowstorms, Chuck would often work multiple all-night shifts to help clear roads and parking lots.

Chuck was well known for his handy-man talents, even in his personal life. While never receiving any formal training, he’d always be working on something mechanical. His 1968 Chevy Camaro, the 1985 Monte Carlo, or a late 1970’s El Camino were among his favorites. All projects of his that he proudly brought back to life, drove for a while and would then sell to shift his attention to something else. He was also the guy who was frequently called when something needed fixing. And despite a busy career, caring for his wife and his own snow plowing and lawn mowing businesses, he always found time to help cut and log a tree, help get a lawn mower or snow blower going or to help move furniture. He always had a pick-up truck, the necessary muscle and somehow, always found the time.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Malissa, his mother, Elaine (Cindy), his brother Michael, sister Ann Keane and husband Brian, and brother Timothy and wife Tara. Chuck is also survived by his 10 nieces and nephews, Cynthia, Christina, Nathan, Shane, Hannah, Andrew, Ryan, Justin, Connor and James. He is predeceased by his father Richard and nephew Charles.

A memorial mass will be held on June 17, 2026 at Resurrection Parish, 651 Millbrook Ave., Randolph, NJ 07869 at 11:00 am. For those unable to attend the Mass in person, please use this Live Stream Link Resurrection LIVE STREAM - Resurrection Parish Randolph - Randolph, NJ

In leu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organization:

Denville Volunteer FD, 2 Indian Rd, Denville, NJ 07834