Deep River Man to be Honored in Rose Parade

The Day - Southeastern Connecticut | Marianne Sullivan
Photo by Marianne Sullivan/Valley Courier
Deep River resident Sage Novak and her daughters Grace and Natalie put the finishing touches on a floragraph of Robert Novak, Sage's late husband and the father of the two girls. The floragraph will become a part of Donate Life float in the New Year's Day Rose Parade. Robert Novak died after suffering a medical episode in 2008. His donated tissues benefitted two infant boys. The floragraph honors his donation. The other children joining Sage Novak are Abby Shakun, Patrick Shakun, and Madilyn Novak, cousins of Grace and Natalie.

Tissue Donor 'Changed Lives Forever'

DEEP RIVER - On June 7, 2008, 33-year-old Robert Novak, Jr., after winning a golf tournament with his father, suffered an undetermined medical episode and died while driving home to Deep River. He was the husband of Sage and the father of two small girls, Grace and Natalie. His death changed his family's lives forever. It also changed the lives of two infant boys.

Representatives of Donate Life Connecticut spoke with Sage shortly after Rob's death. She consented to Rob being a donor and his gifts saved and improved the lives of many, including two infant boys who each received one of his heart valves.

Sean Fitzpatrick of the New England Organ Bank told Sage last week, "Rob's gift changed forever the lives of the recipients, their families, and their friends. They thank you and we thank you for the courage to say 'Yes' when we approached you."

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