On October 12, 2024, Todd Charles Novak passed away peacefully at his home as he wished while being surrounded by family, loyal friends and a community that cared deeply for him. Born on September 6, 1958, in Massachusetts to his birth mother Patricia, second mother Andele Thomas Novak and Charles J. Novak, father. His journey began in Natick, Massachusetts where his determination and perseverance first took root and was cultivated by his brothers and family. Shortly after his graduation from Natick High School, Todd set his sights on Vail to ski as it was the absolute best place to be.

Todd made Vail his home and no one was a stranger, only a friend he had not met yet. In the early Vail years, Todd worked really hard on his golf game. After a shift at Vendetta’s, leaving at 6pm, he would head to the golf course and work on his putting for an hour and a half. After a round in the men’s league, he would go to the driving range, hit balls and practice his putting and chipping. Todd was also an avid hockey player and played with the “rag tag” group of guys from Vendetta’s and Ski Patrol. A 5:30a.m.practice eventually became a community event with the Vendetta’s crew versus Ski Patrol then later Ski Patrol vs. Ski School. Todd had a hand in helping during the construction of the Dobson Ice Arena which opened in 1978. Todd was a Vail Ski Instructor and joined Ski school about 14 years ago teaching children and teens who were level 8-9 skiers, the overwhelming theme when speaking to Todd’s buddies was that his students (kids and teens) absolutely LOVED Todd and raved about what a great coach he was. When Todd would run into his ski buddies on the hill and give him a hard time – his kids would chime in and stick up for Todd. He was beloved by all his coached kids. He also may have broken the “ski school” rules a bit and took his kids into some of his secret stashes on the mountain! Todd was a Vail Mountain School Boys Golf Coach in 2016 and was responsible for about 12 students on the team. He found this rewarding and challenging. Todd enjoyed being a coach!

Some of Todd’s golf accomplishments were The Vail Golf Club – Men’s Club Champion – 15 times, qualified for the USGA Mid – Amateur Qualifier, and played in several Colorado State Amateur events. Todd spent a lot of time on the golf course this past summer with his friends and spent his 66th birthday at the golf course all day long as he took it all in for one last birthday. Todd made lifelong friends at The Vail Golf Club.

All of these were wonderful but in Todd’s eyes, his biggest accomplishment of his life is and will always be his daughter Lily. Todd was so proud of her and spoke about her every chance he could with his friends and family. These are the conversations that all of us now hold in our hearts and we will honor his wishes by always caring and loving for Lily. Todd leaves daughter Lilianne Rose Novak and her mother Amy Jill Leibowitz Novak in Eagle County Colorado, his brothers Bruce (Sally) of Gloucester, Randy of Dedham, Tim (Kate) of Maine, Tim’s daughter Emily (Chris) of Connecticut, Ryan (Leah) of Atlanta and sister Stephanie (son Jack) of Natick. Predeceased by his maternal mother Patricia, sister-in-law Lisa Novak and his father Charles J. Novak.

Todd will be missed by many friends that were family in various states and countries. A celebration of life will be planned for the spring of 2025 in Vail Colorado. A trust has been set up for Todd’s beloved daughter Lily and her future. If you feel so inclined to make a donation, please send to The Estate of Todd Novak c/o Bruce Novak, 9 Lighthouse way, Gloucester, MA 01930 

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