Kevin Muszynski

To me a very perplexing individual, but very capable dealing with others, very successful with people.  I certainly admire his accomplishments.

Joe (Yossi) Fleisher

As you approach those heavenly gates let them know that I completely forgive you for selling Brandolph and I that bag of oregeno on Chelsea Boardwalk in A.C. circa 1968! Rest in peace.

Mark Cooper

The CHURCHLOT VETERANS COMMITTE  has posthumously inducted Hyman (NOT JEREMY) Nowak into the Hall of Fame and retired his number 55. His induction plaque reads:

"Hyman's tenacity and no nonsense play as a powerful fullback and hard hitting linebacker earned him the respect of his fellow Churchlotters"

 I will personally miss that wit and dry sense of humor. He always made me laugh every time i ws in his presence

Rick Nelson

I was quite surprised by Hyman's accomplishments that I read on his memoriam page. I didn't know him well but especially remember him from Penn State. Something must have clicked that he rose to fulfill quite his potential sometime thereafter. It sounds like he touched a lot of people in positive ways and in their memories he'll live on.

Joel Polis

I was surprised and saddened by Hyman's passing, but impressed and delighted that he grew into such a large figure in the Philadelphia community. I lost touch with him when I went off to USC, but I remember him as always having a radiant energy, a quick smile and ready laugh, and was glad to see that Coop retired his number 55 from the Churchlot players in his honor and praise. RIP Hy!!  

Eric Dobkin

I knew Hyman at CHS and PSU and while never close friends, we had a "How ya Doin'" relationship. When I knew him him my impression was he was somewhat "directionless?". But always warm, frinendly and thoughtful.  And  funny.  Several years ago when I was at Crozer Keystone Health System he was involved with Crozer and efforts to revitalize the city of Chester. I always was struck by how our CEO was so impressed with this guy Jeremy Nowak They had many meetings and she used to tell me how much she valued his involvement and how innovative and energizing he was. Of course I never connected the name Jeremy with Hyman until I read his obituary and now sadly realize that I mised a chance to reconnect with a classmate who turned into one of the most dynamic forces in the community of Philadelphia.

RIP  Hyman.

Barry Kardos

Hyman Nowak always impressed me. He kept his own counsel, was wise and articulate. His eyes were beautiful and penetrating.  While we were not especially close, we held mutual respect for each other.  I always knew he would make a mark on the world  So sorry I did not spend some time in his presence him when he was alive. 

Richard Selbst

I remember Hyman being very intelligent, but never realized his genius, as his life's work suggests. He wrote in my yearbook, "Always seek the truth", and to be truthful, I never knew what that meant. I recall how he loved Dean Martin, thought he was so cool, and each week the day after his TV show, we'd laugh about it. Ever since, when I see or hear Dino on TV or radio, I think of Hyman and how cool he was too.  Rich Selbst

Ned Bratspis (Bratspis)

I never knew him as Jeremy; I only knew him as Hyman. On the McCloskey Elementary school yard, back in 4th grade, it was often a  long walk home for me. There was another classmate that would dump my books almost every day, and intimidate me. One day, I decided that I was not going to take it anymore. The bully approached me, and threw my books on the ground, and it was on. We traded punches. There was no clear winner, but the bullying stopped after that incident.

Something else happened that day. The scene had been witnessed by Hyman Nowak, known to be someone you did not mess with. He was impressed with the courage it took to stand up for myself, and introduced himself. After that we often walked home together. The incident became a turning point; the message-stand up and you will not be alone.

The news of Hyman's passing has kept the memory of our meeting fresh in my thoughts this week. I didn't keep in touch, and despite learning as a result of this website about his many accomplishments, I can't escape the thought that he was someone, I would have liked to have remained in the life of. Move into the light, Jeremy.

Your friend,

Ned 

David Olensky

In high school, I was intimidated by Hyman because I thought of him as a tough guy greaser. We were not friends. After high school, his hippie side revealed itself & we became casual friends.

I remember one night, under the influence, circa 1969-1970, Hyman, Mike Seamon & I plotted how we were going to bring down the US government at the height of the war in Vietnam. We wanted to do something that was easy, peaceful & free, but would have a massive, nation-wide effect. We came up with the idea that we would pick a date & time, publicize it nationally, & get tens of millions of people to flush their toilets & turn on & off their lights at the exact same time. We figured that would bring down the grid. Not to hurt anybody. Just to freeze the government, bring it down and halt the war. We obviously didn't think about the consequences of the effect on hospitals, airlines, etc. The idealism of hippie / yippie anarchy. BTW, we never acted upon the idea.

Hyman & I lost contact after that time period but I stayed best friends with Mike Seamon until 1977. Then I read this obit from CHS. Hyman obviously made a tremendous mark in this world that helped many people. His merits will stand him in good stead in Heaven.

In general, when I read about the passing of so many of our classmates, it's shocking. It reminds us of the frailty of life & the preciousness of life. One could live until 120 or, G-d forbid, "cash in our chips" & check out tomorrow. It's a sober reminder that we should try to do as much good & lovingkindness as we can in this physical world to make it a better place. Not necessaily to affect hundreds or thousands of people. Benefit one person. Do a favor for someone. Be kind to someone. Help people in need. I saw a homeless tent area in my city. I went to a McDonalds & bought 20 $1 chicken sandwiches & gave them out, along with a big smile & words of encouragement. Folks were real happy to get a hot sandwich (& the smile). I've done this a few times. Helps 20 people for only $20. Tell our loved ones that we love them while we can. A smile, a pleasant, cheery & friendly face & kindness goes a long way. Hyman, thanks for the inspiration.