GLOUCESTER: Jerome “Jerry” Noble, Jr., 87, died peacefully late Tuesday evening, July 26, 2011, following a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of Virginia R. (Cheek) Noble.
Born in Gloucester on March 21, 1924, he was the only child of the late Jerome and Grace J. (Hemeon) Noble. He was a lifelong resident of Gloucester and graduate of Gloucester High School class of 1942.
A decorated U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he enlisted in January of 1943 and was honorably discharged at the rank of Electrician’s Mate, Second Class in November of 1945. He served aboard the USS Franklin which was heavily damaged off the coast of Japan. For this...Jerry was a recipient of the Purple Heart. In all of his years, he refused to accept the available benefits associated with his service, his injury, and his Purple Heart medal. He always said, "I didn't do it for benefits. I did it because it was the right thing to do.”
After his years in the service, he returned home to his young family and joined his father who was the Skipper of the Fishing Vessel Corinthian. The Corinthian was sunk in September of 1949, killing his grandfather and six of his shipmates.
At this point, a career on land seemed more appealing and he returned to Gloucester and began working as an electrician. He founded his own business, Jerry Noble Electricians in 1962 and enjoyed serving the Cape Ann Community for the next forty three years. He was very proud to have held the oldest Master Electrician’s License in Gloucester, which was only recently retired as he entered his mid 80’s.
In addition to his wife of 68 years, he is survived by seven children, Linda, wife of Sterling Abram, Sandra Perry, Geraldine, wife of Tom Cronin, Stephen, husband of Dee (Erwin) Noble, D. Scott, husband of Maria (O’Brien) Noble, Chris, husband of Cathy (McQuarrie) Noble, and Timothy Noble, companion of Vicki Briggs; twenty grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews to include Glen MacLeod, whom he thought of as a son, and his wife, MaryHelen. Jerry is also survived by his former daughters-in-law, Nancy (Saunders) Noble, Patty (Frontiero) Watson, and Debbie (Mahoney) Salah. Jerry maintained a life-long and valued friendship with Roy Spittle. He was predeceased by an infant son and his son-in-law, Dana Perry.
We sadly say good bye to the kindest, gentlest, and most loving man we have ever met. Although it’s been said that a cat has nine lives, Jerry surpassed that cat by quite a few (ask any one of us). In the end...old age took him by the hand. And who could wish for anything more than that?
We were blessed to witness his peaceful flight to Heaven.... while cheering him on toward his next adventure. He always thought he would get to Heaven on Mom’s coat-tails...when in fact...we will all be holding onto his.
Jerry’s funeral service will be held on Tuesday morning at the Cape Ann Bible Church, 78 Concord Street, West Gloucester at 10 a.m. All are welcome to come and celebrate his life. Visiting hours will be held on Monday evening at the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester from 5 – 8 p.m. Interment will be held in the Beechbrook Cemetery.