Wilfred D. Novit

Wilfred "Bill" D. Novit, 92, of Charleston, South Carolina, widower of Leatrice Fine Novit, entered into eternal rest Friday, October 6, 2023. His funeral service will be held graveside Tuesday, October 10 in Brith Shalom Beth Israel Cemetery (Maryville) Sycamore Avenue, at 10AM. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel. 

Wilfred was born August 29, 1931 in Charleston, South Carolina, son of the late Abraham Joel Novit and Emily Bertha Jenkins Novit. He was born prematurely, weighing a mere 3lbs8ozs and in 1931 there were no neonatal ICUs. The physicians told his mother he would not survive - she told them they were wrong. She was right. He did more than survive - he thrived and outlived everyone in his family. He was president of Dan Lodge 593 of B’nai Brith Youth Organization (BBYO) and an advisor to AZA of BBYO. He was on the board of directors of the Jewish Community Center, a past president and active member of Brith Sholom Beth Israel Synagogue, an active member of the Jewish Federation, a member of the Anti-Defamation League, and a life member of AZA/BBYO. Wilfred was a long-time star lefty pitcher of the JCC softball league, loved the beach and bowling, and had a passion for journalism, especially writing Letters to the Editor for the Post & Courier. He was a First Lieutenant in the Air Force, serving during the Korean War. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BA in Business Administration where he served as editor-in-chief of The Gamecock, student newspaper; and as president of Phi Epsilon Pi fraternity, the Hillel Foundation, and Omicron Delta Kappa national honorary leadership fraternity. He was also a long-time avid Gamecock fan. He followed in his father’s footsteps by taking over the family business, AJ Novit & Sons. After selling the business, he continued his lifelong career of selling food and restaurant supplies.

He is survived by his son, David Novit (Tere) of Charleston, SC; two daughters: Dr. Adrian Novit of Charleston, SC, and Heidi Novit Presser (Gidon) of Monsey, NY; and three grandchildren: Joel Novit, Hannah Novit, and Chanan Presser. Wilfred was predeceased by his brother, Bernard J. Novit; sister, Goldie Novit Finkelstein; and son, Philip Novit.

Visiting hours (Shiva) at 18 Tarleton Drive, Charleston, SC 29407 will be 7pm until 9pm Wed, Thur and Sun.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brith Shalom Beth Israel Synagogue, 182 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403.