FRIENDSHIP — Neil Alison “Al” Novicka, 68, died peacefully on Sept. 5, 2015, at home.

Born in Rockland on May 1, 1947, he was the son of Neil Charles and Esther Munro Novicka. Educated locally, Al was a 1965 graduate of Rockland High School.

He was pleased to have attended his 50th class reunion this summer.

Following graduation, Al enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in Vietnam. He made many friends there, even staying in touch with a few throughout his life. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he joined the Coast Guard Reserve.

Later Al attended SMVTI, where he earned his degree as an electrician. For many years he worked for the Electric Shop in Rockland. He later moved on to Central Maine Power, where he retired after 23 years. Not one to be idle, Al became self-employed, working locally as an electrician.

Al was always on the go and never seemed to slow down. He had a great love for family, and was very active in the lives of his children. When they were young, he shared his knowledge as an Eagle Scout and his love of scouting, serving as a Cub Scout leader for many years. Camping, hunting and fishing were other favorite pastimes. He took great joy in spending time with his children at the family cottage on Crawford Pond. Riding motorcycles with his children, going four-wheeling and working on street rods also kept him busy.

He loved to “putter and tinker.” Most recently he could be found in his shop making beautiful creations out of wood, or working on one of the many projects he had going.

Al was active with many local organizations and he did what he could to help others through his associations. He served on the Friendship and Rockland Fire departments and was a member of the Knox County Fire Fighters Association. He was also an active member of the Rockland Lodge of Masons, Aurora Lodge No. 0050, the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1, the Rockland Lodge of Elks, Mid-Coast Shrine Club, National Rifle Association and Knox County Fish and Game Association.

He had a great sense of humor and ease about him that helped him make friends wherever he went. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Predeceased by his father, Neil Charles Novicka in 2011; Al is survived by his mother, Esther Novicka of Warren and Sun City Center, Fla.; his beloved wife, Robin Novicka of Friendship; his children, Corey A. Novicka and his wife, Jennifer, of Rockland, and Christine Sprague of Rockland; five grandchildren, Sierra Sprague, Riley Sprague, Cassidy Novicka, Reese Novicka and Lucas Novicka, all of Rockland; his brother, Charles Novicka of Rockport; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to visit Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 4 to 6 p.m.  at 104 Limerock, Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home's reception facility in Rockland. A celebration of Al’s life will be held Thursday, Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. at Friendship United Methodist Church, 24 Main St. in Friendship. The Rev. Robert Dorr will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Friendship Fire Department, P.O. Box 177, Friendship, ME 04547; or Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, Donations Dept., 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.