John P. Novalesi, 90, of Ellwood City, formerly of Wampum, passed away Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, at Cambridge Falls following a brief illness.

Born Feb. 14, 1934, in Wampum, he was the son of the late Emilio and Emma Barrichini Novalesi. He was married to Marlene J. Karner Novalesi for 28 years when she passed in 1985.

John graduated from Wampum High School in 1953, where he was named as an All-State Basketball Player. He then went to St. Francis College in Loretto on a full basketball scholarship earning his bachelor's degree. After graduating college, he taught U.S. History at Riverside High School for 30 years from their conception until his retirement. John was the first basketball coach for their program. In 2007, he was inducted into the Lawrence County Sports Hall of Fame. He started the first Youth for America Club, which started the first recycling program in the area. He served as the superintendent of the recycling program after his retirement from teaching. While teaching, he worked construction for many summers with Tony Yannielo. He was a member of the Divine Grace Parish Holy Redeemer Church in Ellwood City, F&AM; 599 and the New Castle Consistory. John enjoyed playing the accordion and polka dancing at the SNPJ.

Survivors include fiancée, Carol Ferrigno, of Koppel; son, John E. Novalesi, of Wampum; four daughters, Marla Jo (Ken) Clem, of New Castle, Lori Anne (John) Thomas, of San Diego, Carole S. (David) Houghton, of Ellwood City, and Shari L. Schmeltz, of Phoenix; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren with one on the way.

The last of his family, he was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marlene; daughter, Lisa M. Simpson; three brothers, Mario, Merino and Dean; and his sister, Mary Sharek.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday Aug. 25, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main St., Wampum.

A blessing service will be held at the Funeral Home on Aug. 26, 2024, at 11 a.m. with Father Joseph Freedy officiating.

Interment will follow in Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Maguire Home in New Brighton.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.