Michael Patrick Novelli

Michael Patrick Novelli passed away peacefully on August 1, 2024, at the age of 69 while being embraced by his loving wife and daughters after a brief medical condition.

Michael is survived by his devoted wife, Valerie (DeLong) and their three daughters; Shanna (Scot) Aughinbaugh, Janesa (Derek) Furbee, and Adriana (Tyler) Collins; grandchildren, Sebashton, Liliona, and Isabelle Aughinbaugh, Colton and Mila Furbee, and Callahan and Caden Collins; his siblings, Cynthia Roberts Joseph, Pio (Janet) Novelli, and Carolyn (Delven) Roberts; his brothers-in-law, Robert (Susan) DeLong, Jeff DeLong, and sister-in-law, Denise (Kevin) Martin and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Mary (Buccasso) Novelli; his in-laws, Robert and Virginia DeLong, younger brother David Novelli, brothers-in-laws Samual Roberts and Gary Joseph, and nephews Pio Novelli Jr. and Jason DeLong. 

Born in Canton, Ohio on January 10, 1955, as the third child in his family of five, he was taught at a young age the importance of family and he continued to instill that throughout his life.

He attended St. Benedict Catholic School and East Canton High School graduating in the class of 1974. As a senior he was a co-op at Canton Tool Manufacturing Co. He majored in shop and that was the start to his lifelong career in the machine trade. Michael participated in track, was a class president, and co-captain of the football team his senior year. 

He was always an independent man who took pride in doing things his own way. From the start of his adult life, he built his home at a young age, and he loved the legacy he built for his family, as we continue to call it home today. 

He first saw the love of his life and best friend, his wife at the East Canton Festival as a majorette sitting in the dunking booth and he got to use his high school football skills to dunk her a few times. From there they never looked back and were married in 1980. They welcomed the first of their three daughters in 1981.Their love only grew stronger as their family continued to grow over the years, filled with the love and laughter of their seven grandchildren. They were blessed to celebrate their 44th wedding anniversary on June 21st with the quote “It was not in my ear you whispered in, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.”

Michael made many sacrifices and took great pride over the years supporting his family in his own business “Mike Novelli Machine” which he opened full time in 1989 as a Master Tool and Die machinist. He continued to be passionate about his trade and enjoyed the friends he made along the way until the very end. He was always willing to look at a job, try to solve a problem, or make a trade in order to use his skills to help others.

As a man of few words, he showed his love to others by how he took care of them. He enjoyed bringing his family together with parties and cooking amazing meals, there was no occasion too big or too small that he wouldn’t try to make it a day to remember. He lived each of his days with meaning and always made time to make you feel special. He had so many admirable qualities which enriched the lives of others over the years. Whether it was flowers for all his girls on Sweetest Day, stopping in for a cup of coffee just to check in, or making that special trip back to Aldi’s to get more to share. You were always the most important person at that moment in his eyes.

He had so many things he enjoyed over the years like making pizzas for his kids or cooking on his homemade spit, passing out gifts for grandkids as their Santa, listening to classic tunes and naming every artist, building his own 1979 Harley shovel head, throwing a hand of cards or bocce with the guys, and helping neighbors that he called friends.

Michael was the strongest man with the softest heart. He didn’t want less and he never wanted more. He was grateful and thankful for each day. He was full of faith and strength till the very end. 

He will be sincerely missed but we will wait with joy in our hearts until we meet him again. His legacy will carry on forever reminding us that we control our outlook. We choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service just as Michael modeled for us through Christ. 

We hope his memory will bring joy to your hearts and God will bring you comfort just as Michael wanted. 

So, it’s never goodbye it’s “see you soon” and we will meet Michael again “just minding his own business”.

Salute to the Best Husband, Dad, and Grampie-doo.

A mass for Michael will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, at St. Benedict Church, 2207 Third Street SE, Canton at 10:00 a.m. on August 17, 2024. A celebration of his life with close family and friends will take place to honor Michael at his home that he loved, “his vacation place, his escape, his legacy” at a future date.

Instead of mourning the loss, grieving over the body he is no longer in…we will celebrate Michael and he will be remembered by his loved ones in the same way he was always seen…strong, smiling, handsome. Enjoying time together, letting time stand still, just like he always wanted everyone to experience.

Condolences and special memories of Michael can be shared with his family online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com