Tony Nowak, owner of a garment manufacturing company specializing in original one-of-a-kind leather jackets for the film industry, died April 6 at the age of 60. Originally from Poznan, Poland, Nowak was a longtime resident of Pacific Palisades with his wife of 18 years, Maria Barrie, and their sons Enzo Nowak and Riley Barrie. Described as larger than life by all who met him, Nowak had limitless passion for his family, his friends and his adopted America. His sense of humor and sense of fun were boundless. He lived this motto: Be Healthy, Be Happy, Be Honest, Be Humble, Be Respectful, Be Yourself and Enjoy Life. Nowak’s intense faith was evidenced in his daily life, and he was an active member of St. Monica’s Parish in Santa Monica. Physical fitness also played a large part in his life and some of his longtime friendships began in local gyms. In 1967, Nowak emigrated with his mother and sister from Poland to Austria, where he was an honor student and completed studies at Vienna Business School. He moved to California in the early 1970s. Opening his company in El Segundo, Nowak created works of art in leather. The bodybuilding community and film industry quickly noticed the exceptional quality of his workmanship. His legacy lives on in hundreds of films featuring his creations. In addition to his immediate family, Nowak is survived by his sister, Maggie Cherwick, her husband Johnny and their two children, Jessica and Tony; his brother Chris Nowak and his two sons, Martin and Sebastian; and many extended family members in Poland and England. Memorial services were held on April 17 at St. Monica’s Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in honor of Tony Nowak to: Our House Grief Center, 1633 Sawtelle Blvd., Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90025.
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