Joan Novak

Joan Ann Starrick Novak, 81, of Brick, New Jersey, passed away on March 14, 2026, at Ocean University Medical Center in Brick.

Born on April 15, 1944, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Joan spent her early childhood there and attended St. Joseph’s School. In 1956, she moved with her family to Manville, New Jersey, where she graduated from Manville High School. She began her working life at RCA Records, remaining there until 1969.

In 1967, Joan married Edward Novak. Together they raised five children in Spotswood, New Jersey: Karen Ann Novak Daniele, Kevin Edward Novak, David Brian Novak, Jeffrey Daniel Novak, and Daniel Lawrence Novak. After her divorce, she began a long career with Pathmark, where she worked for nearly twenty years before retiring in 2005. She later made her home in Brick, where she spent her later years surrounded by family.

Joan cherished her time with her grandchildren, Gianna Marie Daniele, Kailey Ann Daniele, Russell David Novak, and Luke Stanley Novak. She shared a close bond with her sister, Gloria Jean Starrick Kulaszewski Snyder, and Gloria’s husband, Scott Snyder.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Anna Marie Gasper Starrick Onderko; her father, John Starrick; her stepfather, Nicholas Onderko; her brother, John J. Starrick; and her son, David Brian Novak.

Joan will be remembered for her quiet dedication to her family, her years of hard work, and the steady love she gave to those around her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and all who knew her.