On Sunday morning, February 28, 2016, Ramon “Barney” Thomas Novo took his final flight and has now carved out his place in our memories forever. He was born on June 1, 1959 in Buffalo, NY to Ramon Basil and Jane Pentz Novo. Along with his sister Elizabeth, the family settled in Rockville, MD where Barney made life-long friends, who became as close as family. Barney received a BS in science from Appalachian State University in Applied Physics in 1988. In 1990 he began working at Goddard Space Flight Center with NASA on a satellite called the Cosmic Background Explorer, which today is on display at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. His career as an Aerospace Engineer included over 100 successful launches of various types of satellites, including scientific, Department of Defense, and communications. In 1991 Barney met Karen Hernandez, who would become the love of his life. They were married on June 4, 1994, and soon after they settled in Arizona where they surrounded their lives with Woody, Sandi and Lexi, and now the Buster, Blue and Gilligan.
Barney lived life to the fullest as an avid sailplane pilot, astronomer, expert marksman, a hunter with his golden retrievers, skier, and rock climber. He was a Harley-Davidson enthusiast and Karen’s favorite First Mate on the lake. Whenever we think of Barney we will raise a glass, recall our priceless memories, and say, “Yes dear”.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, March 4, 2016 at 3:00pm at San Tan Memorial Gardens, 22425 E. Cloud Rd., Queen Creek, AZ. A Celebration of Life will follow at 5:00pm at the home of Karen and Barney in Gilbert, AZ.