Keith Novak Obituary

In Loving Memory

Keith Paul Novak, 70, of Summerville, South Carolina, passed away on January 24, 2025, in Summerville, South Carolina. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death.

Keith Novak was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late Joanne Coghe and Walter Novak on December 30, 1954. He went to school at East Allegheny High School. He married Marion Rorke Novak on August 7, 2004, in St. Theresa the Little Flower Catholic Church. He graduated from Trident Technical College with a degree in Criminal Justice. He worked in Law Enforcement for Charleston County Sheriff Office for 25 years.

Keith started with the Charleston County Police Department in 1980, that later became part of Charleston County Sheriff Office. He acquired multiple certifications, always growing in knowledge and training to serve the community. Throughout his career, 1980-2005, Keith earned promotions from Seargeant to Chief Deputy on June 01, 2001. He was a member of the CCSO Swat team from 1981-2004, leading the team as Swat commander for the majority of his tenure. He led the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center for 4 years. He perpetually attained new skills and perspectives to make his professional teams more effective. Keith had a lifelong love of motorcycles and after retirement he went to Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Orlando, Florida and became a certified Harley Davidson mechanic and opened Novak's Harley Repairs. Despite being busy with his new career, Keith worked for a year with Charleston County Public Defender's Office as an investigator. Afterwards, he worked as the Jail Administrator for the Berkeley County Hill-Finklea Detention Center for 2 years.

Keith was a bright person, with a vibrant personality. He would light up a room. He was a caring, loving husband and father, and a loyal, true friend. He was easy to speak to and you could confide in him. He always said people would tell him their life stories without knowing him. He cared deeply about his family and was fiercely protective and loyal. He cared about the people he served and served with. He was a genuine leader, incomparable, with mutual respect. He was accomplished, strong, resilient despite hardships he endured in his early life. Keith did everything with integrity, honesty and strong values. His friends found him to be a true friend, authentic, dependable, and trustworthy. Those who knew Keith will remember his fantastic sense of humor, incredible patience, and strength.

He hosted many parties and oyster roasts for friends and coworkers. He is known for his tractor races in the summer. Keith was adventurous, loved the outdoors and going camping with a great group of friends. He was so smart, could teach himself anything. He built a tear-drop camper by himself! He started to restore a 1964 Chevrolet truck. He loved music, playing the drums, and riding and repairing motorcycles. Keith was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Keith knew it was better to give than receive. He volunteered with Camp Happy Days and was an 11 th hour volunteer with hospice, giving comfort to cancer patients at the end of their life.

He was a veteran, served in the Air Force for 3 years. He was involved in the South Carolina Correctional Association and the American Correctional Association. He received the prestigious Carroll B. Gordon Award, given to individuals who put others first and have high standards personally and professionally.

Keith Novak is preceded in death by his mother, Joanne Coghe, and his previous wife, Avelina Surrell Novak.

Keith Novak is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Marion Rorke Novak, stepsons, Michael Scott (Chase), Roddy Perry (Holly), stepdaughters, Elise Scott Hall (TJ), Logan Perry, grandchildren, Brennan, Shawn, Poppy, Dylan, Luka, Oliver, goddaughters, Kim Kay (Jason DeGeorge), Madeline DeGeorge, Eva DeGeorge.

Visitation will be 5:00pm - 7:00 pm Monday, February 17, 2025, at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation,  869 St. James Avenue Goose Creek, SC.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at St. Theresa the Little Flower Catholic Church, 11001 Dorchester Road Summerville, SC, with the Monsignor Edward Lofton of St. Theresa the Little Flower Catholic Church, officiating. 

Keith Novak's family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Ms. Janet Washington, for helping to care for Keith at home and Home Instead.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Camp Happy Days https://www.camphappydays.org>donate

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445 (843) 553-1511

Although Keith has gone to his eternal life, he will live in our hearts forever.