Detroit — Raymond and Sylvia (Ewart) Novelly, parents of Fr. Duane Novelly, pastor of St. Matthew Parish, Detroit, were killed last Friday, Aug. 6, when the driver of a pick-up truck crossed the center line on Jefferson Avenue in Chesterfield Township and struck their car head-on. Both were 84.

The driver of the truck, who sustained a broken nose, was driving despite his license having been suspended, news reports said. He had been convicted in January of driving while intoxicated. Altogether, his licensed had been suspended three times in the past seven years.

Police found an open bottle of alcohol in his vehicle, but the 63-year-old Eastpointe man denied having been drinking. As of this The Michigan Catholic’s press time on Tuesday, results of a blood alcohol test were pending.

“My parents were gentle and peaceful people, and for them to die this violent death is difficult to comprehend,” Fr. Novelly said Monday.

The Novellys were “faithful people,” their son continued, adding, “They lived their whole lives loving the Church, loving each other, and loving their family.”

He said they were “fully engaged” and enjoying their retirement years in their Chesterfield Township condominium. They had been married since 1947. Mr. Novelly, a U.S. Navy veteran had worked as a machinist.

Besides Fr. Novelly, the Novellys are survived by another son, Clifford of Clarkston; two daughters, Maureen Ortwein of Sterling Heights and Anita Bucrek of Novi; and seven grandchildren.

Viewing was scheduled for 3-9 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 11, and 2-9 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 12, with a Scripture service at 7 p.m., at Wujek-Calcaterra Funeral Home, Schoenherr Road at Metropolitan Parkway in Clinton Township.

Their bodies are to lie in state Friday, Aug. 13, from 11 a.m. until the funeral Mass at 22 a.m., at St. Matthew Church, Detroit.

Burial is to be in Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township.

Condolences to Fr. Duane Novelly, St. Matthew Parish, 6021 Whittier, Detroit 48224.