Full name: Michael John Novak, Jr.

Born: September 9, 1933

Place of birth: Johnstown, Penn.

Died: February 17, 2017 (aged 83), Washington, D.C., U.S.

Parentage: Son of Michael J. Novak and Irene Sakmar. Father was an insurance salesman (among various positions) with more than 45 years at Metropolitan Life Insurance; Mother was chief stenographer at Penelec Electric Company and then a homemaker after her marriage in 1932.

Siblings: In order, with Michael the eldest, preceded in death by: Fr. Richard J. Novak, CSC; James J. Novak; survived by Benjamin Novak, Ave Maria, Fla.; Mary Ann Novak, Washington, D.C.

Family: Married to Karen Laub-Novak, a professional artist and illustrator, until her death in August 2009.

They have three children: Richard, Tanya and Jana; and four grandchildren.