Roll Call Tribute

Stephen Joseph Novosad 

February 12, 1933 - August 24, 2024 

Stephen Joseph Novosad, 91, of Fairfax, Virginia, passed away in his sleep on Saturday August 24, 2024, in his home.

He was born on February 12, 1933 in Rosenberg, Texas, and raised in East Bernard, Texas, the son of Henry Frank and Mary Novosad (nee Urbanec). 

He graduated from High School in 1950, then went on to Texas A&M University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering. He joined the United States Air Force in 1955, where he became First Lieutenant and was a pilot who flew C130 aircraft, before being honorably discharged in 1959. While stationed in England, Stephen met Catherine Heather Wells at Sculthorpe USAF/RAF Base. They were married on February 15, 1958 in Walsingham, England. Stephen and Heather were married for over 59 years, until her death on April 13, 2017.

He worked as a Patent Examiner in the field of Petroleum Engineering, for the United States Patent and Trademark Office for 36 years before retiring in 1996.

Stephen, along with his wife Heather, had a love of travel, including cruising. He was at ease making friends and enjoyed caring for animals, including birds and dogs. Stephen enjoyed taking walks with his son Chris and any one of their beloved dogs. Stephen, along with his son Chris, enjoyed skiing and going to the beach and most of all, spending time together. He was an avid reader of scientific and spiritual related topics. He was a wonderful father and a great mentor.

Remaining to cherish Stephen’s memory are his son, Christopher, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer; in-laws, Norris (Robbie) and Eleanore Robinson; family in Texas, including nephews and nieces, Garland and Karen Novosad, Lisa and Dan Sharp, Byron and Sue Novosad, John Novosad, Mike Novosad, Mark and Carolee Novosad, Craig Novosad, Roslyn Novosad, and Debbie Novosad (of Sugar Land, TX); family in Great Britain and Canada, including nephews and nieces; and many friends made throughout his career at the Patent Office, near his home in Fairfax, and through his travels.

Preceding Stephen in death are his beloved wife, Heather; parents, Henry and Mary Novosad; and his three brothers (and wives), Thomas Louis (and Marie) Novosad, Clemence Henry (and Beth) Novosad, and Henry Frank Jr. (and Mary Jane) Novosad.

A “Celebration of Life” gathering will be held on Saturday September 21, 2024, from 12:00-1:30pm, at  Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home at 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, Virginia. Internment of ashes will follow, at the historic St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church, in Fairfax Station, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations in Stephen’s memory be directed to The Humane Society of the United States or your favorite animal or pet charity.