Gerald "Jerry" Novak

Gerald J. Novak passed away peacefully at his home in Chappell Hill on Sunday July 13, 2025. He was constantly surrounded by his loving family and friends.

He was born in Downtown Houston on July 17, 1948 to Christine (Kowalski) and Stanley Pete Novak. Jerry, as he was called by his family, grew up in the Heights and attended Christ the King Parochial School, Hamilton Junior High and was a 1966 graduate of Reagan High School.

From a young age Jerry was a hard worker: from cleaning flower beds, cutting yards, shelling peas at Canino’s Farmers Market, lifeguarding at Variety Boys Club, and sharing a newspaper route with his brother Kenneth (delivering the Houston Post and Houston Chronicle to their Heights neighbors on their bikes). He also worked at Sakowitz in downtown Houston.

On May 24, 1969, he was married to Patricia Jezierski, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Chappell Hill. God blessed this union with 3 children Michael, Gwendolyn and Nicole.
Jerry and Pat’s crowning achievement was raising all three children to become successful in life. With hard work and determination, they were able to put the 3 kids thru college and ensure a life of success and achievement for all of them.

Fulfilling a lifelong dream of being a police officer, Jerry graduated from Class #47 of the Houston Police Department in March 1971. He was assigned to the Accident Division and ultimately transferred to the Hit and Run Division, where he served until 1985. Upon being promoted to Detective rank, he served in the Homicide Division (as a Sergeant) until his retirement in July 2004. When asked why he worked so long and hard, his answer was that he was doing it for the victims and their families. He received several awards and Chief’s Commendations. In addition to his on-duty role as a Homicide Detective – he provided for his family with a variety of extra jobs.

He loved being a member of the Houston Police Department, however his greatest joy was the day he became a grandfather. Beginning in 2005, he would gain another grandchild every year until he reached #7. He loved all 7 unconditionally and they were about the only ones who could bring a big smile to his face. He spoiled them all with no regrets.

Jerry is survived by: his wife of 56 years, Patricia (Jezierski) Novak; son, Mike Novak and his wife Laura, of Bellville; and “His Girls”, Gwen Novak Cureton and husband Shawn of Hockley and Nikki Novak Koppy and husband David of Cypress. He will continue to look over his precious grandchildren: Coral, Chloe, Coryn and Carys Cureton, and Kathleen, Dane and Weston Novak. He also leaves behind: sister Barbara Novak Jonte; brother Kenneth Novak (and wife Frances); brothers-in-law: Max Harwell, Fabian Jezierski (and wife Rita); sisters-in-law: Jeanette Cribbs, Lillie Buchala and Patsy Jezierski. He also leaves two godsons, Darrell Novak and Mark Robertson and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and special friends Joan and Henry Wilganowski.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Christine Novak, his brother Eugene Novak, his sister Ginny Harwell, brothers-in-laws Bill Varner, John Jonte, Jerome J. Jezierski and Galli Cribbs.

Jerry was at peace at home in the country, whether it was mowing the grass or “cleaning” out his barn...Now he is at peace with his Savior.

Visitation will be held on his 77th Birthday, Thursday July 17, 2025 with family present from 5 to 7pm at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Vigil Rite and Rosary will begin at 7pm. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, July 18, 2025 at 10am at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 9175 FM 1371, Chappell Hill. Interment will follow at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery, 6200 Chadwick-Hogan Rd., Chappell Hill. A meal will then be served at the Parish Hall directly behind St. Stanislaus church.

Pallbearers will be Rick Moreno, Hal Kennedy, Christian Montano, Mark Wisnieske, Darrell Novak and Leonard Tomczak.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Kenneth Novak, Shawn Cureton, David Koppy, Henry Wilganowski, Tommy Stepanski and all members of the Houston Police Department.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to The Dominican Sisters, 6501 Almeda Road, Houston, Texas 77021, or the charity of your choice.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Share condolences at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com.