William M. Novelli D.O.

Melbourne, Fla. - William M. Novelli, D.O., of Burghill, died Monday, May 5, 2008 at Melbourne Terrace Rehabilitation Center in Melbourne, Fla. He was born February 27, 1926 in Point Marion, Pa., the son of Frank M. and Evelyn (Aucreman) Novelli.

A January, 1944 graduate of Warren G. Harding High School, Dr. Novelli held degrees from The Ohio State University, Columbia University, Kent State University, and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. After serving in the U.S. Navy as an officer, he taught biology at Harding before opening his medical practice in Warren. In recent years, he enjoyed spending the winter in Florida, and would use his time in Florida to volunteer at the local Rotary Club tree farm and to teach gardening to third-graders. He also went to a local middle school to speak to students about careers and planted dozens of trees on campus. He enjoyed gardening, walking, playing the piano, a variety of water sports, and his ever-faithful dog, Beau Zack.

Surviving are his wife, Mary (Keefer) Novelli, whom he married July 30, 1961; four children: Robin Lee (Teri) Novelli of Melbourne Beach, Fla., Amy Beth Novelli of Tucson, Ariz., John Paul Novelli of Portland, Ore., and David Allen Novelli of San Jose, Calif.; two grandchildren, Jason (Heather) Reid of Palm Bay, Fla. and Jessica Reid of Orlando, Fla.; a great-granddaughter, Taylor Reid, of Palm Bay, Fla.; and a niece, Valerie (Art) Rizzo of Warren. Preceding him in death are his parents and a sister, Val Jean Marmion.

Services are 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2008 at First United Methodist Church in Warren, with Rev. Rick Oaks officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at McFarland & Son Funeral Home, and 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday in the church's Van Wye room. Material contributions may be made either to First United Methodist Church, 309 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481, or the Animal Welfare League, 545 Brunstetter Rd. S.W., Warren, Ohio 44481.

Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services Co., 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481. Please visit www.mcfarlandfuneral.com to view this obituary and send condolences.