Robert Novak, Jr. was a man admired by all and loved by many. He earned a degree in Civil Engineering and married his college sweetheart Sage in 2000. They had two daughters with whom he shared his loves of football, fishing and boating. On June 7, 2008, after winning a golf tournament with his father, 33-year-old Rob suffered an undetermined medical episode and died while driving home. Among those who benefited from his gifts of life were three infant boys. The Rob Novak Memorial Golf Tournament raises both awareness and funds for Donate Life Connecticut and keeps Rob's helpful and kind spirit still living on today.

Rob's Story

Robert Novak, Jr. was a man admired by all and loved by many. A true gentleman, his solid 6-foot-4 frame held a gentle soul. His laughter and helpful nature made him popular around town and the office.

Rob and his wife Sage met at Villanova University, from which he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1996. They were married in 2000, the same year their first daughter Grace was born with a severe congenital heart defect. The engineer in Rob decided to learn everything he could about the anatomy of the heart so that one day he could teach Grace about her own. Their second daughter, Natalie, was born in 2006.

"To watch Rob with his little girls was something very special," said Sage. "He would teach them about football, fishing and boating and even built them a workbench so they could fix things just like Daddy."

On June 7, 2008, after winning a golf tournament with his father, 33-year-old Rob suffered an undetermined medical episode and died while driving home. Although his family was in an extreme state of shock, one thing was clear when the organ recovery agency called Sage that night: to donate his heart.

"Rob may never be able to teach Grace about her own precious heart, but he can use his to help others," said Sage. Among those who benefited from his gifts of life were three infant boys – a miracle that has given his wife, friends, and family a strong sense of pride and peace. His family established the Rob Novak Memorial Golf Tournament to raise awareness and funds for Donate Life Connecticut, keeping Rob's helpful and kind spirit living on today.