Obituary of Zoltan L Novaky

Zoltan Les Novaky was born on December 18, 1941 in Besenyotelek, Hungary. He passed away in Jackson, California on January 30, 2024 at the age of 82.

Zoltan’s family survived World War II only to have the Soviets take over their country after the war. At the age of 15, he and his parents and siblings escaped communist Hungary and came to America, the land of the free and the home of the brave. They settled in Indiana where he started high school and got a job in a steel factory. He was quickly promoted and became an electrician, and shortly after, he got his plumbing license. He met his wife, Ilona Bodnar Novaky, at a Hungarian Catholic church in Indiana and they were married on March 14, 1964. Together they had three children, Ilona, Zoltan and Sylvia. The family moved to Los Altos, California in 1968, where he ran a successful construction and plumbing business. He built a home in Pine Grove and moved his family to Amador County in 1980. He built and ran a successful professional center and mini storage with his wife in Pine Grove.

After his wife’s passing in 2016, he met Susan Smith and they were married on January 1, 2017. They felt blessed to have found each other and attended Generation Life Church. Zoltan loved the Lord and always looked forward to church on Sunday.

Zoltan was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved his family and enjoyed visiting with family and friends. He told people he was retired but he was working every single day. He was an extremely hard worker and moved faster than anyone half his age. He was a great storyteller and knew everyone in town. He had the best smile and laugh, and everywhere he went, he could be spotted wearing his fedora hat. He will be dearly missed by so many.

He is preceded in death by his wife Ilona K. Novaky; his grandson Benjamin Wilson; his Parents Imre and Rose Novaky; his brothers James and Paul Novaky; and his sister Rosalie Czimber. He is survived by his three children, Ilona Novaky-Wilson (Rick), Zoltan Novaky (Ildi) and Sylvia Novaky; nine grandchildren; his wife of 7 years, Susan Novaky and her two children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Honoring Zoltan’s wishes, his burial will be private.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Zoltan Novaky, please visit our Tree Store