Werner Fritz Nowack, age 86, passed away on September 24th. Born in Weissenfeld, Lower Silesia, Germany on January 23, 1940, to Karl Nowack and Martha Reise Nowack. One of nine siblings, he spent most of his childhood on a farm in Bavaria before graduating as a structural engineer from the historical Staatliche Ingenieurschule (State Engineering School) in Dortmund. Werner was the first in his family to attend and graduate college. After a stint working in Berlin, he moved Canada before settling in Pittsburgh, PA to work for the Dravo Corporation. He only intended to stay for a short time before returning to Germany, but his stay in America extended because he wanted to attend the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City and then the 1970 World Cup. During this time, he met and married Hanna Drobnik, another German immigrant who had settled in Rochester, NY. Following relocations for work, Hanna and Werner settled permanently in Rochester, where they had two sons, Kirk and Kevin. Many people in Rochester know Werner (or Fritz as they called him), from his long and successful career in construction. Storytelling, travel, and the outdoors were among Werner’s greatest passions. He especially enjoyed skiing, camping, tennis, and golf and never missed an opportunity to share a favorite story, sometimes retelling his most memorable and entertaining stories over the years. He also looked forward to his nightly walks with his wife, a tradition they shared for 55 years while strolling through Fairport neighborhoods where they became familiar faces to many residents.
Werner is survived by his wife Hanna, children Kirk, Dawn, Kevin and Iris and grandchildren Emma and Anya. He is also survived by his sister Gisela Hoffmann and numerous nieces and nephews.
In honoring Werner’s memory, the family simply asks you to spend time with loved ones.
A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.
10 responses to “Nowack, Werner Fritz”
What a remarkable human being. It was an honor and a privilege to know Fritz and to call him my friend. I will cherish the stories! He will be sorely missed. One of the all time greats…..
Fritz was an amazing man. His kind professionalism, intelligence and life accomplishments are a testament to someone whom we were blessed to know.
My prayers to all of you – Fritz was a name I heard of often Thru Pete Whelehan. Betsy Whelehan.
Werner enjoyed my “For Men Only” water aerobics class. He said that it improved his golf game. He was a joy to have in class. Always smiling and ready to try anything.
What a wonderful man. I had the privilege of working on many projects with Fritz during my career at Rochester Regional Health. Thank you Fritz for all of the lifelong advice and direction during our countless conversations. Rest in heaven and my sincere condolences to the entire family.
RIP Fritz. I had the pleasure of working with Fritz on construction projects back when I worked for Razak Assoc architects, early on in my healthcare career. I learned alot from Fritz and he was a great man. My condolences to his family and friends.
Fritz was a good man and friend over the 30 years I’ve known him. I hope the family finds comfort in the kind words that were unanimously spoken about him.
In loving memory of Werner
We are writing on behalf of our group of seven friends who had the privilege of meeting Werner during our trip through the USA two years ago.
Werner was a very dear friend of Michael, one of our travel comopanions. He warmly invited all seven of us into his home, where we were welcomed with such genuine hospitality by Werner and his entire family. We shared a marvellous meal, conversations, laughter and many memorable hours together.
Werner was of German descent and remained deeply connected to his homeland throughout his life. Almost every year, he would return to Germany to visit his dear friend Michael, who lives on the farm where Werner had spent his childhood. It was very, special for us to hear Werner’s stories and anecdotes about his early years and the places that had meant so much to him.
We will always remember Werner as a truly kind, gracious, and wonderful man. His warmth, his stories, his sense of humour, and the way he made us feel welcome left a lasting impression on all seven of us.
We are deeply saddened by his passing and greatful that our journey brought us together with such a fine and remarkable person.
Our heartful condolences go to Werner’s family and all of those who loved him. We hope that the many beautiful memories of his life will bring comfort and remain in your heart.
With deepest sympathy
From the seven of us in Germany.
In loving memory of Werner
We are writing on behalf of our group of seven friends who had the privilege of meeting Werner during our trip through the USA two years ago.
Werner was a very dear friend of Michael, one of our travel comopanions. He warmly invited all seven of us into his home, where we were welcomed with such genuine hospitality by Werner and his entire family. We shared a marvellous meal, conversations, laughter and many memorable hours together.
Werner was of German descent and remained deeply connected to his homeland throughout his life. Almost every year, he would return to Germany to visit his dear friend Michael, who lives on the farm where Werner had spent his childhood. It was very, special for us to hear Werner’s stories and anecdotes about his early years and the places that had meant so much to him.
We will always remember Werner as a truly kind, gracious, and wonderful man. His warmth, his stories, his sense of humour, and the way he made us feel welcome left a lasting impression on all seven of us.
We are deeply saddened by his passing and greatful that our journey brought us together with such a fine and remarkable person.
Our heartful condolences go to Werner’s family and all of those who loved him.
With deepest sympathy
From the seven of us in Germany.
What an amazing life story! We are so sorry to hear of your loss – you are all in our thoughts!