Willard "Bill" Jerome Novodor

Born: March 23, 1943 | Died: September 7, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Novodor on September 7, 2024 at the age of 81 in Glendale, with his loving wife and son present. This was following many complications of diabetes which he eventually succumbed to.

Born on March 23, 1943, in Chicago to Martin and Rose Novodor, Bill moved to Los Angeles with his family as a child. During his teenage years, he took on the full responsibility of caring for his quadriplegic grandmother, attending to her needs until her passing. This experience helped shape his deep sense of responsibility and compassion.

Bill graduated from Fairfax High School at the remarkable age of 16. He went on to attend the University of Arizona, where he majored in Zoology and was an active member of the golf team. Although he initially considered becoming a doctor, his journey led him to Southwestern Law School, where he earned his degree while honing his sales skills as a whiskey and liquor salesman. Upon completing law school, Bill ventured into the business world, purchasing and growing a women’s clothing business before moving into a variety of creative careers. He found success in the film industry as a writer and producer of several movies and television programs including the final season of “Hart to Hart”. He later transitioned into the banking and medical industries, where he played a key role in managing and developing medical facilities. Bill’s colleagues and friends knew him for his innovative thinking and his relentless drive to succeed.

Regarding his faith journey, Bill Novodor was born into the Jewish faith and maintained a deep connection to his heritage throughout his life. Later, as he served as a financial officer for the newly forming Vineyard Church, Bill began reading the Bible in depth. One day, after studying the promises and descriptions of the Messiah in the book of Isaiah, he came to the profound conclusion that Jesus must be the Messiah. This realization transformed his faith, shaping the rest of his spiritual journey and deepening his commitment to his beliefs.

Bill was married four times and was a proud father to Adina, Paige, and Ashley from his earlier marriages, and to his son Adam from a later marriage. At the age of 60, Bill married Ruth Williams, and they welcomed her children, Virginia and Matthew, into their blended family. Bill and Ruth shared a loving marriage for 21 years, and their home was known for its warmth and hospitality. They were devoted members of an Assembly of Christians who meet in the Monrovia Gospel Hall and often hosted the needy and visiting missionaries from the global network of Brethren Assemblies.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Thropay Lopez Novodor; his children, Paige Novodor Jacobs, Ashley Jacobs, Adam Novodor, Matthew Williams, and Virginia Perovich; his grandchildren, Wyatt and Dawn Perovich; and his siblings, Alan Novodor and Elise Novodor. He is also survived by many other cherished family members and dear friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Rose Novodor, and his daughter Adina Howard. Bill’s legacy will live on through his family and all those whose lives he touched.