Drafted into the Marines during Korea, Noel went to college and became a history teacher after serving. He moved to Florida in 1969 where he met his wife and became the father of two children, John and Kristin. He lost his battle with ALS on November 4, 2001, one month before his first grandson was born. He is survived by his wife Kathleen, son John, daughter Kristin and three grandchildren: Analiese Noelle (named after her grandfather), John Patrick and Daniel Liam.