Manlius, New York - MANLIUS - William J. "Mr. Bill" Novak passed away peacefully at home on the evening of March 4, 2023.

While growing up in New Berlin, Bill developed a lifelong passion for cars, trucks and motorcycles. He rode the highways and byways of all but two states of the continental U.S. and rode a motorcycle all around the United Kingdom. Drag racing for 23 years, circle tracking for two years brought him much joy.

Bill spent many years in the wholesale and retail trades as sales manager of various Fortune 500 companies before becoming a school bus driver at FM Schools. Kids brought Bill much joy and he could often be found talking about the exploits of his six grandchildren. Known to be an "ad hoc" adviser to students who rode his bus was a calling that meant a lot to him.

Bill served his country during the Vietnam War in a "Black Ops" Satellite Tracking Station where he was part of an elite group of fellow airmen and civilians retrieving sensitive satellite data and launching Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles.

Bill attended SUNY Morrisville and later graduated from Allan Hancock College of Santa Maria, California. A patriot, Bill loved his country and displayed it by supporting conservative issues.

As a member of the Town of Manlius Republican Committee, Bill served on the Consolidation Task Force and supported many candidates for election over the years. As a life member of the Gold Wing Road Rider Association, Bill rose to become New York State Assistant District Director of the 2000-member organization as a Level Four Grand Master Tour Rider. Bill was always involved in organizing statewide rallies and local rides that kept him busy.

Bill's mother's Irish roots saw him become a member of the Irish Cultural Society and found him touring Ireland twice on motorcycles with his children and once by car.

In April 2022 Bill's wife Jayne organized a trip for him to be part of Honor Flight 16 Syracuse to Washington, D.C. It was truly a beautiful day, an emotional day and a rewarding day to have been a part of the ceremonies.

Mr. Bill was passionate about his family and his country, he was well read, had more jokes and stories that any one man could have, loved his wife with all his heart, had many friends in the community and will be deeply missed by all.

Mr. Novak is survived by his wife, Jayne; his pride and joy children, son, Justin William (Andrea) Novak of Austin, Texas, and their children, Alana, Kaylin and Brielle; daughter, Bridget Catherine (Brian) Hooser of Munich, Germany and their children, Alexandra, Zachary and McKenna Hooser. Bill's brother, David A. Novak; sister, Barbara Rivas, and Joseph (Martha) of New Hampshire predeceased him.

Calling hours will be from 10 a.m. until noon, Monday, March 13, at Newell-Fay Manlius Chapel, 8171 Cazenovia Road, Manlius. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1 p.m. at St. Ann's Church, 104 Academy St., Manlius.

There will also be calling hours at Dakin Funeral Home in New Berlin from 10 a.m. until noon, March 15, with burial in Fairview Cemetery, New Berlin.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the FM Food Pantry, Manlius Ambulance Corps, St. Ann's Church in Manlius, or St. Theresa's of the Infant Jesus, New Berlin.

Visit www.SCHEPPFAMILY.com to sign his guestbook.