Daniel S. Novakowski

Age 60, of Miller Beach, IN, passed away on Friday, January 15, 2021. Daniel is survived by his dear mother, Rachel Novakowski; loving friend and companion, Mary Stanny, as well as his dog Charlie; aunts, Diane Flynn and Pat Florer; and several cousins. Preceded by his father, John Novakowski; and his pets, Audrey, Lulu, Cooper and Hugo.

Dan graduated from Morton High School in 1979. His career included Entertainment Editor for the Daily Calumet as well as Commercial Advertising Artist for both the Hammond Times and Gary Post Tribune.

Dan was a prolific artist and was featured in many exhibitions that showcased his drawing, painting, photographs, and cyanotypes.  He had a unique sense of humor and a wickedly quick wit.  A standout project in his portfolio was the Neckbrace Photo series, in which he somehow talked all his family, friends, and even total strangers into posing for pictures wearing a neck brace.

Dan loved the cinema and was an absolute encyclopedia of movie information including actors, directors, producers, and release dates of every major and minor film in his lifetime.  Reindeer Games was his yearly Christmas newsletter filled with photos, family updates, recipes, and his favorite films of the current year and the previous decades.  It also included an original short story by Dan that highlighted his mastery of dark humor.

Dan was passionately your friend….supportive, protective, and bedrock loyal.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Solan Pruzin Funeral Home , 14 Kennedy Ave., Schererville, IN from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Private funeral service to follow. Burial at Chapel Lawn Cemetery in Schererville, IN.   In lieu of flowers, donations to humanesocietynorthwestindiana.org would be appreciated. Those attending visitation are required to wear masks and to follow social distancing protocol. SolanPruzinfuneralhome.com