James M. Noonan Jr., 78, went home to The Lord peacefully on January 1, 2010, surrounded by his family and loving wife of 55 years, Helen Catherine (Lyons) Noonan, in Spencer, MA, where they have resided since 1967.
He leaves 11 children: James M. Noonan III and his wife Jane of Westerly,R.I., Catherine Durgin and her husband Daniel of Spencer, Karen White and her husband Patrick of Worcester, Michael Noonan and his wife Marybeth of Shrewsbury, Thomas Noonan and his wife Debra of Leominster, Timothy Noonan and his wife Christene of Holden, Robert Noonan and his wife Wendy of Chicago, Ill., Julia Gaudette and her husband Phil of Spencer, Sean Noonan and his wife Lisa of Sturbridge, Joseph “Jay” Noonan of Leominster, and Mary Provost and her husband Jon of Charlton.
He also leaves 24 grandchildren: Jimmy, Ryan and his wife Leanne, Danny and his wife Sarah, Juliann, Kate, Kelly, Kevin, Shamus, Molly, Shaun, Eric, Jameson, Regan, Patrick, Alex, Melanie, Courtney, Connor, Caroline, Liam, Maggie, Hope, Emily and Erin. He is predeceased by his sister Joan O’Connor.
Jim was born in Albany, NY. the son of James M. and Julia M. (Delaney) Noonan. He graduated high school from Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, NY, where he was a member of the basketball team and a pole vaulter for the track team. He went on to Siena College, in Loudonville, NY, to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry as well as being a member of the basketball team. He later earned a Master's Degree from Union College in Schenectady, NY, in Chemical Engineering.
His education paved the way for him to be a pioneering innovator in the field of fiber optics. He is credited with transforming the idea of night vision scopes into real practical applications. During his 30 plus year career in fiber optics, he worked for and/or collaborated with Mosaic Fabrications, Lockeed-Bendix, Johnson & Johnson, and Dolan & Jenner. He retired as Senior VP and GM of Applied FiberOptics, Inc., in Southbridge, MA, in 1992. While working, his hobbies included buying and selling antiques, as well as being an avid sports fan; he was a long time season ticket holder to the New England Patriots. He earned the rank of a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Burlington, MA, and was an active parishioner at Mary Queen of the Rosary Church since moving to Spencer. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and of the fact that all 11 of his children have earned college degrees.
Many of his joys were realized in retirement. He played golf with his wife, sons, grandsons, granddaughters, and golf buddies. It allowed him to express his quick wit and sharp humor while remaining active. He was known to brag about his hole-in-one at Deer Creek RV Golf Resort in Florida on March 22, 2000.
As his mobility declined, he combined his hobby of collecting with his fondness for golf by becoming a trader of golf paraphernalia on eBay. He possessed a great spirit, attitude, and sense of humor throughout his entire life which will be deeply missed.
The funeral will be held Thursday Jan. 7th from the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer with a Mass at 10a.m. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church Street, Spencer, MA. Burial will follow in Mary, Queen of the Rosary Cemetery, Spencer. Calling hours are Wednesday Jan. 6th from 4 to 7p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim Noonan may be made to: Mary Queen of the Rosary Church, 60 Maple Street, Spencer, MA 01562 or Holy Name of Jesus House of Studies, 51 Illinois Street, Worcester, MA 01610.