Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1953
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
James Noonan Obituary
ALBANY - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, J. Paul Noonan, suddenly after a brief illness, on May 14, 2023.
Born in Troy on January 25, 1953 to Dr. John Noonan and Leah Dorgan Noonan, Paul was raised in Watervliet and attended St. Brigid's School. He was also a graduate of Cranwell Preparatory School and Merrimack College. In addition to his parents, Paul was predeceased by his beloved stepmother, M. Corrinne Noonan; his brother, John J. Noonan, III, and his brother-in-law, Richard Amato. Paul is survived by his cherished daughters, Ashley Noonan Farley (David) of Guilderland, Maura Kathleen Noonan (Michael Smith) of Buffalo; his former wife and dear friend, Jan K. Ward of Glenmont; his precious grandchildren Ryan, Connor, and Kelsey Farley; and his beloved sisters, Joellen Parsons (Lowell) and Mary Lee Amato (late Richard). He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and many close friends.
Paul began his career in state government in 1981 at the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (formerly DSAS), retiring after nearly 40 years of services to New Yorkers struggling with the disease of addiction. With 16 years of proudly won sobriety under his belt, Paul was a board member at Addiction Treatment Providers Association of New York (ATPA), a recent volunteer at Capital District Recovery Center (CDRC) and deeply involved in Alcoholics Anonymous. His sobriety was precious to him and he touched countless lives with his work in the field. We who loved him were exceptionally proud of him, his service to others and his devotion to his family. His passing has left an unfillable hole in our hearts.
In retirement, Paul added to his extensive collection of guitars and played them often, frequently traveled to Boston for his beloved Red Sox games, attended OASAS retiree luncheons, and spend many a happy afternoon with Jan and their grandkids at the playground or lunching at Chili's.
Paul's services will begin on Friday at 9:15 a.m. in the Cummings Funeral Home, 643 Third Avenue, Watervliet and then will proceed to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Church, corner of 25th Street and 7th Avenue, Watervliet where at 10 a.m. the Funeral Mass will be celebrated by the Reverend Donald L. Rutherford, pastor. The Rite of Committal and interment will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Watervliet. Friends are invited to attend and may also visit with Paul's family on Thursday from 4 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Flowers are warmly welcomed as an expression of sympathy as well as donations to the Capital District Recovery Center, 45 Colvin Avenue, Albany, NY 12206 www.capitaldistrictrecoverycenter.org/donate
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Noonan
Mark V.
May 19, 2023
Paul was a great guy that helped brighten my day for months at a time when I was struggling. I was shocked to hear of his passing. My prayers are with his family and friends at this time. Don't worry Paul. I won't drink over this. Just as you helped teach me.
William F Ryan Jr
May 19, 2023
William F Ryan Jr
May 19, 2023
William F Ryan Jr
May 19, 2023
I wish that I was well enough to attend our reunion and spend time with my old roommate Paul.
I would have enjoyed hearing him play his guitar probably much improved over his Cranwell days. I have been to too many funerals a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus especially during COVID 19. Happy trails till we meet again!
David de Manbey
May 18, 2023
Was a classmate with Paul at Cranwell such a long time ago. A man with a good heart. He dedicated his life to serving others. I was fortunate to have known him. Blessings and peace upon his family during this difficult time.
Chris B
May 18, 2023
I´m so sorry to hear this. Paul was an excellent example of the growth that can come from recovery, and I will miss seeing him at meetings. May the four winds blow you safely home, Paul.
Ron Ruf
May 18, 2023
To all of Pauls( never knew as JAMES) Family&friends
as he"Went to Glory".May God Comfort our hearts in our Grieving. "Our hearts are Restless ,Until they Rest with Thee" S.A. Ron Ruf
Pat Coonrod
May 18, 2023
My condolences to Paul's family. Paul was a good man with a good heart and he loved his family deeply. He helped a lot of people and was devoted to helping veterans. He continued to work for vets even after he retired. We first met on a long ride to a PEF convention, where we discovered that he had worked with my late husband at OASAS. We attended many more PEF conventions, concerts and PEF retiree luncheons. Baseball season was the best and we attended several Red Sox games every year. He was a good friend to myself and many others and will be missed.
Jean Mahoney
May 17, 2023
My husband Dan Mahoney and I spent many a July in Litchfield, SC with JoEllen Noonan Parsons and Lowell Parsons. We always enjoyed Paul's company. We always shared a laugh and a story. Memories will remain.
John Yu
May 17, 2023
I am so sorry to learn about Paul´s passing. I enjoyed working with Paul at OASAS and he was a great colleague. My condolences and prayers to Paul´s family and friends.
Raymond Conte
May 17, 2023
Paul was a shining example of the power of recovery every day. He made a difference. God bless.
Mary Pellman
May 17, 2023
On behalf of all of us, Dan and Corey Prince and Mary Pellman we are so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I (Mary) had the opportunity to work with Paul at OASAS and enjoyed many years as a work colleague and in the weeks and months ahead we hope to form memories with your familiy for the next chapter in honor of Jan and girls. Please accept our sincerest sympathies.
Best,
Prince Pellman Group, LLC
Beth Amitai
May 17, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Paul at OASAS for 9 years and he was a pleasure to work with. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Maria Melideo
May 17, 2023
Paul has a good heart. He was the president of our local PEF Division and I worked with him as the treasurer. He was kind, fun and easy to work with. I will miss you Paul, you left too soon. Rest in peace.
Kristopher Moses
May 17, 2023
So sorry to hear of Paul´s passing, I worked with him at OASAS and on the ASAP Veterans Committee. Paul was very passionate about helping veterans and others who were in need of substance use disorders care and services.
Joe Burke
May 17, 2023
J.P. was a great story teller. He left us to soon. A great writer who scribed many documents. He was president of local 265 PEF for many years. He had a deep love for people in recovery. His deepest love was his family.
Terry Jackson
May 17, 2023
Dear Jan and girls...so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. We started work at DSAS/OASAS at about the same time. He did not hold it against me that I was a Yankees fan and visa versa that he was a Red Sox fan. He loved his family very, very much. RIP my friend.
Mike McNulty
May 17, 2023
To all of Paul´s Family: I am very sorry for your loss.
Mike Asbury
May 17, 2023
Dear Jan and Family, I am so sad about the loss of my friend and your friend. I know that so many other feel the same. He was such a good man. Mike Asbury
Mike Quigley
May 17, 2023
Paul and I started out in kindergarten at SBS. I have great memories. What I remember best of those times was his sense of humor. We reconnected in later years as he became a friend of my mother. The first thing I noticed was the humor. My condolences.
Michael M Messitt
May 17, 2023
Paul and I were friends since childhood and his passing leaves many treasured memories. Condolences to his family.
Michael Messitt
Lewes, DE
The Staff of Cummings Funeral Home
May 17, 2023
Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in James Noonan's name
Memorial Events
for James Noonan
May
18
May
19
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor James Noonan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored anonymously