Pero Novak

Pero Novak, 89, of Mentor, passed from this world to begin his heavenly life on April 21, 2025. Born on June 28, 1935 in Nedelišće, Croatia, he embraced life with boundless energy and an adventurous spirit. A devoted husband and the rock of his family, Pero is survived by his wife, Lauren Novak. As a father of six, Rose (Raymond) Hanzlik, Anne Novak, Kelly (Darin) Dureiko, Peter Novak, Vida (Laura) Novak and Jessica (Michael) Bjel – he guided and supported each of them with pride. His greatest joy was being a doting grandfather to Lyndsey (Jackson) Thomas, James Hanzlik, Amanda Dureiko, Taylor Hanzlik, Adam Dureiko, Andrew Dureiko, Austin Dureiko, Bianca Bjel, Caspian Novak, Aurelian Novak and Bennett Bjel, delighting in every milestone and family gathering. A gifted entrepreneur and inventor, Pero owned and operated many enterprises, most notably founding Air Technical Industries in 1964, designing and manufacturing heavy duty lifting equipment and establishing an enduring legacy in his industry. Pero was an American patriot and Army veteran with a deep love for both his adopted country and his homeland. He proudly flew the American flag at both his residence and company and visited friends and family in Croatia regularly. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Pero was an avid golfer, a skilled pilot, and a world traveler who sought sunshine and new horizons. He tended his garden with care, nurtured lifelong friendships, and treasured every moment spent with family around the table or on vacation together. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vida and Rozalija Novak and is survived by sisters, Katarina and Marica; his niece, Mary (Zlatko) Laush; and many nieces and nephews in Croatia. Family and friends are invited to honor Pero’s memory from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2025 at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. A funeral mass in his honor will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2025 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 8560 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060 (please meet at the church). Entombment will follow at All Souls Cemetery, Chardon. Please consider making a donation to Pero’s favorite charity - the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). Flowers are also welcome. Pero Novak’s warmth, generosity, and pioneering spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Pero Novak

June 28, 1935 - April 21, 2025