Mr. Bernard W. Novakoski, 86, a resident of Jessup, formerly of Hanover Township, entered into Eternal Life Tuesday night in the care of Birchwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Nanticoke following a recent illness.

     Born October 20, 1930 in the family homestead in Hanover Township, he was the son of the late Alexander William and Mary (Gresh) Novakoski.  Educated in the Hanover Township schools, he was a graduate of the former Hanover Township High School.

     Following his education, Mr. Novakoski proudly served our country with the United States Army as a paratrooper during the Korean Conflict. He earned the rank of Corporal upon the time of his Honorable Discharge on January 11, 1954.

     Until his retirement, Bernie was employed as a truck driver for Coca Cola in the Keystone section of Pittston Township and previously for the former Falcone Beverage Company also of Pittston Township.  Following his retirement, Mr. Novakoski remained active by working as a delivery man for the former Floristry by Carmen Bolin Company of Forty-Fort. 

     He held membership with the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the Teamsters, the American Legion Post #350 of Nanticoke and the AmVets Post #59 of the Breslau section of Hanover Township.

     In his spare time, Bernie was an avid bowler and previously bowled with several leagues at Chako's in Wilkes-Barre.  He was one of the Valley's biggest New York Yankees fan, and could often be seen on WVIA broadcasts of weekly polka dancing.

     He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, the former Marjorie Lushefski on August 6, 1994.  At the time of her passing, the couple shared 38 years of married life together.  He also was preceded by a brother Stanley Novakoski; Sisters Elizabeth Schimmelbusch and Bernadine (Dolly) Davis.

     Left to mourn his passing are his Children; Bernard Jr. and his wife Sharon Novakoski of Chesapaeke, VA ; Margaret (Maggie) Zavislak and her husband Michael of St. Augustine, Florida, Deborah Popp and her husband Brian of Benton and Ronald Novakoski and his wife Pamela of Nanticoke;  Eleven grandchildren including his "Living Angel", Stacey Fetterman; Fifteen great-grandchildren; His companion of 15 years, Maryann Gawronska, at home; her sister and Bernie's faithful caretaker, Lorraine;  His Brother, William Novakoski of the Korn Krest section of Hanover Township and his sister, Theresa A. Gentile of Hanover Township;  Numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews and his beloved family dog, "Ginger".

     Funeral services for Mr. Novakoski will be conducted on Saturday at 10:45 a.m. from the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 East Northampton Street , followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. in Exaltation of the Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, 420 Main Road, Buttonwood section of Hanover Township with the Reverend Richard J. Cirba, pastor, serving as celebrant and homilist.

      Entombment with the Rite of Committal will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, PA Route #415, Dallas, where military honors will be accorded by officers of the United States Army.

     Relatives and friends may join Mr. Novakoski's family Friday evening for visitation and remembrances from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

     In lieu of floral tributes, Bernie's family would be honored if those contemplating a memorial contribution in his memory, kindly consider the American Cancer Society, 1101 Hill Street, Jessup, PA 18434.

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