David A Nowak

David (“Dave”) Nowak, of Anchorage, passed away Saturday, August 30, 2025, at home surrounded by his family. Dave was born on January 15, 1943, in Ypsilanti, Michigan to Joseph and Irene (Wisniewski) Nowak. Dave had a Bachelors in Music Education from Eastern Michigan University and a Masters of Science in Music Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He married Sharon in 1973, and they began their marriage by moving to Anchorage, AK where Dave was stationed. Dave served in the Air Force from 1966 until 1976 and was principal baritone of the 505th Air Force band at Chanute AFB, Illinois. In 1976, he and Sharon decided to make Anchorage, Alaska their home. After Dave got out of the Air Force, he worked for the United States Postal Service for 25 years and retired in 2001.

 

Dave loved his garden and was known for his gardening skills. Many neighbors would stop by to admire it. He grew the best potatoes, radishes, zucchini, and carrots in town. He also loved music and was an accomplished musician. He played many instruments, including trumpet, baritone and the button box accordion. He also taught private trumpet students. Dave remained active in the music community, playing in musical groups including the Anchorage Symphony, Anchorage Community Concert Band, the German Band, the Front Row Seats Band, and Tuba Christmas.

 

Dave was preceded in death by his wife Sharon, whom he missed tremendously over these last four years. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Thomas and Donald, and his sister Mary Ann. Dave is survived by his daughters, Sharida and Rebecca, his granddaughters Lainey and Kelsey, his brother Jerry Nowak and his sister Veronica Nowak, his granddogs, Chloe and LuLu, along with many nieces and nephews, and many friends who he called family. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Providence at Home with Compassus via Compassus Living Foundation https://www.compassus.com/about-us/giving-and-donations/.

 

The family will have a joint celebration of life for both Sharon and Dave at a later date with details to come later.