Obituaries

Henry J. Novotka, age 83, of Saint Petersburg, Florida, and formerly of Taylor, passed away April 27th at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Saint Petersburg.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Annette Glomboski Novotka, on April 30, 2009.
Born in Taylor on June 12, 1932, Henry was the son of the late John and Josephine Gorleski Novotka. A graduate of the former Taylor High School, he then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1949. At Randolph Air Force Base, considered the “West Point of the Air Force”. he played football with the “Randolph Ramblers.” His athletic skills garnered a contract offer from the New York Giants. He graciously declined the offer however, instead choosing a life in the armed forces.
After attending Meatcutter School at Fort Benning, Georgia, he returned to Randolph to ply his trade at the Air force Commissary. In the 1950’s, he travelled to overseas Air Force bases to assist in preparing food. From Northern Africa to Turkey, Greece, Rome, Germany, and finally, the island of Crete, he moved, while receiving numerous honors and accolades for his work, including a Commissary Efficiency Award, the first ever awarded at Randolph, and a special citation for his work in support of President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s ranch and personal aircraft. Johnson selected Henry a Master Meatcutter, a role he held until his retirement from service. In 1969, after 20 years with the Air Force, he was honorable discharged while retiring with the rank of Master/Sergeant.
He returned to Scranton in 1976 to work for Conrail. Upon retirement, he moved to Florida. He formerly served as Club Steward of the Polish Progressive Club, was a member of the Taurus Club, Knights of Columbus, Abington V.F.W., Taylor American Legion, the Eagles and the Elks Club. Of Roman Catholic faith, he was a longtime member of S.S. Peter and Paul Church in West Scranton. He will be forever missed.
He is survived by his sisters, Henrietta Golembeski and Gertrude Stone, both of Scranton, and Marie Snyder of Old Forge; two step-daughters, Sandi Youndt and husband Les of Terre Hill and Judy Neild and husband David of Feasterville; and many nieces and nephews.
Siblings, Theodore and Edward Novotka, Helen Savinelli and Agnes Gursky, also preceded him in death.
Graveside blessing services are scheduled for June 4th at 11:30AM at Washburn Street Cemetery, West Scranton. Military rites will be conducted by both the Taylor American Legion and the AMVETS Honor Guard.
Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.