Alex G Novakovich

Alex G Novakovich, 88, of Monessen passed away unexpectedly on Feb 5, 2019 in Mon Valley Hospital. Born in Monessen on December 17 ^th , 1930  he was the son of the late Jacob and Anna Yezerinac Novakovich, both formerly of Croatia. Alex was born and raised in Monessen. After graduating from Monessen High School, he was granted a full scholarship to play basketball at the University of Pittsburgh. He also  joined the  ROTC at this time. While studying full time and playing basketball at school, he returned home to work in the  local steel mill on weekends. Upon graduating from university with a bachelor's degree he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant. He was stationed outside of Paris for several years during the Korean War. When Alex returned home to Monessen he became a teacher and basketball coach at West Mifflin South High School. He went on to earn his Master's degree and became a Guidance Counselor at the same school. During this time he also for worked at the Meadows Race Track in the evenings. He remained at West Mifflin High and The Meadows until his retirement. He was a member of the Epiphany of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, CFU lodge 194, the Croatian Club and the Monessen Elks 773. Alex is survived by his loving wife Joan (Stanek) of 57 years and two sons, Rob of Monessen and Rick of Manhattan, NY. He is survived by one grandson Robbie and a great-grandson Aiden. Alex is preceded in death by his beloved son Randy and his brother Jack. Friends will be received on Thursday from 6 until 8 pm in the Robert A. Billick Funeral Home Inc. (Grand Blvd and Marion Ave) Monessen www.billicksfuneralhome.com,  Funeral Services will be held on Friday at 11 am in the funeral home with Fr. Michael Crookston Officiating, entombment will follow in Grandview Cemetery.  In Lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Washington County Humane Society 1527 Rt. 136 Eighty Four PA 15330