Michael D. Novy OBITUARY

Michael D. Novy OBITUARY

Michael Daniel Novy, age 81, longtime resident of Elmhurst and most recently of Addolorata Villa in Wheeling, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, after complications from lung cancer.

Beloved husband of the late Patricia Ann, née Brennan, Novy, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage. Loving father of Ted (Carolyn), Beth, Jack (Margaret), and the late Danny. Proud grandfather of Tom, Tess, Leo, Mary Frances, Sally, and Gus. Dear brother, uncle, and friend to many.

Mike was born on May 2, 1945, in Chicago to Frederick and Sarah, née McGee, Novy. He attended St. Ferdinand School and St. Patrick High School before earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Notre Dame, including a memorable year studying abroad in Innsbruck, Austria. He later served in the U.S. Army as a legal clerk at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Mike began his career with the Internal Revenue Service, where he served as examiner, appeals officer, and Associate Chief. While working full-time at the IRS and raising a growing family, he attended The John Marshall Law School at night to earn his law degree. After retiring from the IRS in 2001, he joined Loyola University Chicago School of Law as Director of the Federal Tax Clinic, where he represented low-income taxpayers, mentored future attorneys, and found great satisfaction in helping those who otherwise could not afford legal representation.

For Mike, however, his greatest accomplishment was not professional success but the family he and Pat built together. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest joy came from being present for the people he loved. Nowhere was that devotion more evident than in the love and support he gave Danny. Mike was determined that Danny would experience a full and meaningful life, proudly cheering him on at Special Olympics events and later remaining a constant presence at Misericordia, where he visited often and celebrated every one of Danny’s milestones.

Mike had a gift for making family gatherings just a little more fun. He never arrived without a scratch-off ticket for everyone, a holiday shirt or festive pin to match the occasion, or a corny joke or riddle guaranteed to make his family laugh—or groan. He found joy in the little things and delighted in creating traditions that brought people together. Mike will be remembered for his quiet strength, steadfast faith, and generous heart.

His family finds comfort in knowing he is reunited with Pat and Danny, whom he loved deeply and missed dearly.

Visitation Wednesday, July 1 from 3-8pm at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago IL 60646. Funeral will be Thursday, July 2, 10am from the funeral home to St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church, 6955 N Hiawatha Ave, Chicago, IL 60646, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am. Interment Maryhill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Misericordia Heart of Mercy, 6300 N Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL 60660. More info 773-736-3833 or www.smithcorcoran.com.