Joseph Paul Novakowski

Joseph Paul Novakowski, 49, passed away on the July 4th at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, NJ. Joseph, affectionately known to all as "Joey" was born and raised in Jersey City, prior to moving to Middletown, NJ in 1986. Joseph is predeceased by grandparents; Anna and John Novakowski, and Antoinette (nee) D'Stefano and Samuel Lombardo, and by his father, John S. Novakowski, who passed away in 1986, as well as his older brother, John Anthony Novakowski, who passed away at the age of 21, after becoming a victim of a fatal automotive accident in 1973. Joseph is survived by his mother, Marie Rose (Lombardo) Novakowski, who was not just known to him as "Mom," but his lifelong companion and devoted friend. Joseph was the nucleus of the household that they forever shared, and he provided his mother with not just a sense of comfort and protection, but a lifetime of togetherness that goes far beyond all compare. "They were true buddies for life" so there are no words adequate enough to ever describe the utter devastation and emptiness she now feels. Joseph is also survived by his brother-in-law, Alan, and his loving and devoted sister, JoAnn, who is totally crushed by the sudden and unexpected loss of her last and only brother. The two will always be fondly remembered as the "kool-aid kids" as the young brother and sister were quite frequently seen operating their youthful little business together on the streets of Jersey, but little did any of their customers know, all of the proceeds were promptly donated in the collection basket at Sunday's Mass in the children's desire to help raise money for their Roman Catholic Church to feed the hungry and clothe the poor. There was a unique closeness that was shared between the three siblings throughout their walk in life, as each one was known to set aside their own personal needs while they selflessly gave to others of themselves. Joseph was diagnosed in 1973 with Muscular Atrophy Disorder, and despite the devastating odds of having only 2-5 years left to live, Joseph became totally motivated to beat his own illness with miles and miles of aggressive therapeutic walks in effort to restrengthen up his weakening body, and in the end, he beat those devastating odds by a long shot, and survived for the next 35 years to come. Joseph was a true fighter. Joseph is also survived by his three loving nephews; Robert and his wife, Nancy; Daniel and his fiancé Maryanne, Gary and his girlfriend Nicole, and his one and only favorite niece Colleen and her husband Ricky. Joseph is also survived by his great-niece, Kara Marie, affectionately known as everyone's lil peanut, as well as an extended family of 12 more beautiful nieces and nephews that include: Samantha, Skyler,Melanie,Katie,Michael,Maris,Sharece,Shanece,Landon,Skylar,Weston, and Naomi. Joey is very deeply loved and will be very sorely missed. He is an inspiration to all, and his courageous 35-year-long- battle with Muscular Atrophy Disorder spoke volumes in teaching us, no matter what it is, we must never lose our faith in God, for He is the only source of strength that we will ever need...to maintain the courage to never quit.

Joseph Paul Novakowski

July 4, 2008