Father Joseph A. Novak, S.J.

Father Joseph A. Novak, S.J., who taught for many years in Fordham University’s Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education, died Jan. 10 at Montefiore North Hospital in the Bronx. He was 82.

Father Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of Fordham University, said in a statement, “Our hearts are heavy today, for we have lost an elder brother, a wise colleague and dear friend in Father Joe Novak. His service to Fordham and to the Church was both long and distinguished. Generations of Fordham students will remember Father Novak for his wit, gentleness and warmth, in and out of the classroom.”

He had served since 2004 as Fordham alumni chaplain and was rector of St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, N.J., 1998-2004.

He taught in the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education at Fordham, 1982-1984, 1975-1981, and 1969-1972 and also 1991-1992, when he served as acting dean. He was rector of Fordham’s Jesuit community, 1992-1998.

He served as New York regional provincial, 1984-1990, and as socius (executive assistant) to the provincial, 1972-1975. He taught religion at Fordham Prep, 1969-1972 and 1962-1967. Earlier he taught at high schools in Rochester and Jersey City.

He was the author of a textbook, “Christian Vocation: Call of the King,” that was widely used in Catholic high schools.

Born in Jersey City, N.J., he entered the Jesuits in Poughkeepsie in 1945 and professed vows in 1947. He studied at Woodstock College in Maryland and was ordained in 1957. He held a doctorate from the Institut Catholique in Paris and a certificate from the International Catechetical Center, Lumen Vitae, in Brussels.

He is survived by his brother, Father Vincent M. Novak, S.J., founding dean of Fordham’s Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education, and two sisters, Lucy Novak and Antoinette Frees.

A Funeral Mass was offered Jan. 14 at Fordham University Church on the Rose Hill Campus in the Bronx. Burial was at the Jesuit Cemetery in Auriesville.