Obituary of Francis J. Novatkoski

Francis J “Sonny” Novatkoski Jr passed away at Capital Health Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving daughters, granddaughter, and other close family members. Born and raised in Princeton Junction, NJ, he enjoyed sharing his stories of growing up on a farm and his many adventures with his cousin and best buddy, Stash. Especially riding their bicycles near Princeton University and seeing Albert Einstein. He served in the US Army stationed at Ft. Hancock in Sandy Hook NJ from 1955 to 1958. After being honorably discharged, he married the love of his life Lorraine Skwara in 1958. Together they raised 2 daughters, Susan and Cynthia. He worked at Wenczel Tile, A.E. Staley & Co. and retired from Dow Jones/The Wall Street Journal. Being the hard worker that he was, retirement did not last long and 5 months later he became a crossing guard for Lawrence Township. He finally settled down and retired after being struck by a tanker truck in November 2013. A member of Saint Hedwig’s Church, he was a devout catholic, and took pride in being an usher and Eucharistic minister. He was a life member of Knights of Columbus #7244, the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Bishop Griffin Assembly and a life member of Catholic War Veterans #417. He was an avid fan of the Yankees, Phillies, and his beloved Philadelphia Eagles. Sonny enjoyed watching westerns especially with John Wayne and The Andy Griffith Show, especially the humor of Don Knotts as Barney Fife. Son of the late Frank J Novatkoski Sr. and Helene M. Kucharski Novatkoski, husband of the late Lorraine M. Skwara Novatkoski, brother of the late Ronald P. And Daniel V., he is survived by loving daughter Susan Ann Grine, loving daughter Cynthia Marie Novatkoski, with whom he resided, her companion Joseph Keegan and loving granddaughter Lisa Marie Grine, his brother Richard M., his longtime companion Rose Marie Zegarski and her children and many cousins and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 10:30AM at St. Hedwig Parish, 872 Brunswick Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08638. Interment will follow at St. Hedwig Cemetery, Ewing Twp. The visitation for Francis will be held on Tuesday evening from 6-8 PM and again on Wednesday morning from 9-10 AM at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, 650 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. Memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org