Dorothy Lopata Novaco, 83, of Bethlehem, died July 18, 2026. Born in Newark, New Jersey to the late Alexander and Helen (Ferdo) Lopata, she was the wife of Anthony D. Novaco.

She earned her B.A. from Caldwell College and her master’s degree from Montclair State University, both in music education.

She was a talented multi-instrumentalist who played the mandolin, piano, violin, viola and banjo-mandolin. She conducted the Bloomfield Mandolin Orchestra, played viola with the Lafayette College Chamber Orchestra, and taught generations of music students both privately and in public schools. She was a member of the National Association for Music Education and the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, remaining a devoted musician throughout her life.

She was chaired the education committee of the League of Women Voters in Easton and volunteered at her children’s schools.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by; children Kara Novaco Brockmeyer and her husband Paul, Jonathan Novaco and his wife Jacquelyn; grandchildren Nathan, Kathryn, Karalyn Zolotsky and Ryan Zolotsky.

Contributions may be made in Dorothy’s memory to the Good Samaritan Fund at Moravian Village of Bethlehem, moravianvillage.com/donate.

Arrangements were made by Cantelmi Long Funeral Home.