Obituary of Joseph Francisco Novo

Joseph Francisco Novo Jr. passed away on October 11, 2014. He was born on January 24, 1926 in Ryde, CA. At the age of 18, Joe enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served in the Aleutian Islands until the end of World War II. In 1968 he moved to Santa Cruz with his wife, Ilda and their two small girls. He never regretted it. Joe was an insurance agent, a commercial salmon fisherman, an enthusiastic gardener, liked to fix up old cars, and loved to cook. Joe regularly attended Mass at St. Joseph's and recited the rosary daily. Joe enjoyed watching professional sports but found the most pleasure in watching his grandkids excel in a variety of athletic activities. He also enjoyed driving around town with his wife in search of the perfect cup of coffee. They often hung out near the beach watching the boats and surfers. Joe was proud of his Portuguese heritage and was bilingual. While fishing on his boat, the Costa Nova, he would talk to himself in Portuguese to keep up his linguistic skills. The fish didn't mind. Joe is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ilda and his four daughters: Roberta Novo, Marie Clore (Jim), Serena Whiting (Ron), and Marla Novo Emerson (Michael). He also leaves behind his grandchildren Mark Hurst, Keith Hurst, Rebecka Casto, James Clore, Anthony Whiting, Katherine Whiting, Silas Emerson, and Sofia Emerson as well as several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Emelia Novo, sister Isabel, and brothers Alvin and Albert. Joe's youngest daughters have fond memories of their dad when they were young and went fishing with him. Joe would instruct the older of the two sisters to steer the boat as he hung over the side bringing up fish. His littlest daughter recalls watching whales breech in front of them. What an adventure. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Saturday October 18 at 12:00 noon at St. Joseph's Catholic Community Church, 435 Monterey Avenue, Capitola.