His kindness was his hallmark, so it is a sad loss for Peachtree City that Albert (Al) Novotnak passed on Sunday, December 22, 2024.
Al was born December 3, 1944 in the Munhall area of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Andrew and Helen Novotnak, and was baptized at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Homestead, Pennsylvania. His father worked in the steel mills, and his mother was a cleaning lady at night.
He was said to be a precocious child who didn’t like to go to school. After his mother would take him to school, he would sneak out and walk back home. He had a very determined nature, but was also very quiet and shy as a child. As a young boy, he played shortstop in Little League Baseball.
He loved animals, especially his dogs. Al was a dog whisperer; he had a patient way of consistency in relating with even aggressive dogs, making them feel safe and loved.
When he was ten years old, his appendix burst, and his mother was very worried, and it made her a bit overprotective of him. For this, his sister would tease him that he was the favorite child.
His parents were adamant about his education. Al graduated from Munhall High School in 1962. He attended Carnegie Mellon University graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1966. Upon moving to the South Hills area of Pittsburgh, Al was a member of St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church, in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.
During Al’s work with Westinghouse, he was drafted in 1968 and spent two years serving the Army. His mother’s prayers were answered when he was not called to go to Vietnam.
Al was based in Corona del Mar, California, in a variety of energy sector jobs, including his work in nuclear engineering, and he was once placed at the Nevada test site for the military. He often traveled internationally including to France for Rolls Royce Nuclear, to Thailand and lived in England for Mission Energy.
As shy as Al was as a child, he became more outgoing as an adult. Al met his beloved wife Donna (nicknamed Dixie) Candelaria in Orange County, California at the Crazy Horse Saloon in 1996. He had on a cowboy hat and boots, and, looking cute and with a lot of confidence, introduced himself. They became the very best of friends.
Donna said that he was always a meticulous dresser, always well-groomed, and always looked sharp and handsome. Al enjoyed traveling before he met Donna, and continued to travel with her—to their other home in Sarasota, Florida, and to Grenoble, Leon, and Versailles in France. Al was an excellent networker and a savvy professional.
Only after Donna, was his love of golf. Weather was not a factor in his golf game. Although he preferred a beautiful day, he was undeterred by rain or snow. He was a senior champion at the Newnan Country Club. In Pittsburgh he belonged to the St. Clair Country Club. In Peachtree City, he belonged to Flat Creek Country Club. Everywhere he lived, he joined the country club and made sure to golf two to three days a week. He looked forward to his annual golf trips with the Seniors at Newnan Country Club.
Al also loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, and watched every game he could. Al and his beloved brother Ed were in attendance in the stands and got to witness the Immaculate Reception in 1972. This was a badge of honor for a true Steeler’s fan.
He helped raise two children, Joshua (Juli) Hall and Amber (William Hubbs) Candelaria. And was a proud papa to their grown children, Ella Hall, Owen Hall and Sophia Candelaria-Hubbs.
His brother Edward (Eddie) proceeded him in death in 2015. He is survived by his sister Dorothy Novotnak Nilsen, his niece Alison Nilsen (Jim) Haley. Their three children, who are all Al’s adored godchildren, Ashley, Drew, and Tyler Haley, all of Bluffton, South Carolina lovingly called him Uncle Alligator.
Al’s unexpected passing while suffering from Lewy Body Dementia has left his family’s hearts shattered.
The family will hold a private celebration of life to honor Al Novotnak. In lieu of flowers, donations to Fayette County Humane Society, fayettehumane.org, or Royal Animal Refuge, royalanimalrefuge.org, are encouraged.
