Robert J. Noonan

Tolland -- Robert J. Noonan (Bob), 95, passed away December 18, 2020 after a short battle with COVID-19. He was born to John and Katherine (McAloon) Noonan in New Britain, where he spent the first 38 years of his life before moving to Tolland. Part of the "greatest generation," he eagerly enlisted in the Navy upon graduation from New Britain High School and soon found himself on a minesweeper in the Pacific at the battle of Okinawa. Upon return from the service, Bob attended New Britain Teacher's College on the G.I. bill. It is there that he met the love of his life, fellow student Rosemary Lynch. They were married for 69 years and had 8 children. He loved his family deeply and showed it by being loyal, helpful, honest, and principled in everything he did. Bob devoted his life to education and public service, spending almost 30 years as a teacher in the Ellington School system. As a guidance counselor at Ellington High, he established one of the first work study programs in Connecticut – The Cooperative Work Experience Program -- which enabled students to gain valuable job skills needed for future employment. This program was later replicated throughout the state. His dedication to vocational education was recognized by the Rockville Area Chamber of Commerce's creation of the "Robert Noonan Vocational Scholarship Award Program" when he retired in 1985. Bob was equally enthusiastic about civic engagement in Tolland. He served on the Board of Education, Board of Selectmen, and the Democratic Town Committee, and helped launch the first Boys' Little League Program. He was also instrumental in establishing recreational sports for girls in Tolland in the 1960s. After retirement, he served as the President of Tolland's Historical Society, and volunteered at the Tolland Arts Center, as well as the Slater Museum in Norwich. Bob's personality was "larger than life" – his friendliness, kindness, sense of humor, and generosity were noted by everyone he met. He was quick with a joke, a smile, and friendly advice. He was both interesting and interested in the world around him, making him a keen observer of current events and a wonderful conversationalist. A Mensa member and life-long learner, he kept his active mind occupied by coloring, making posters and collages, auditing courses at UConn, taking creative writing classes, and blogging about his life experiences. He was intrigued by new technologies, Buddhism, reincarnation, art history, and mythology. His lively personality and intellect will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Bob is survived by his charming bride, Rosemary of Tolland, and their 8 children -- Rosemary Noonan of Tolland, Margaret Lucerini (Tom) of Vernon, Robert Noonan (Gail) of Jupiter, FL, Michael Noonan (Lesa Williams) of Millington, TN, Betsy Hallenbeck (Charles) of Silver Lake, OH, Patrick Noonan (Pam Gallo) of Atlanta, GA, Paul Noonan (Maria Schofield) of Atlanta, GA, and Rita Noonan (Derek Siegle) of Atlanta, GA; and brother-in-law William Lynch (Laura) of Farmington, and sister-in-law Nancy Hahn of Canton. He was predeceased by his siblings Jack Noonan and Rita Noonan Henrikson, and brothers-in-law James Lynch and William Hahn. He will also be missed by his 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and by his many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Special thanks to his kind neighbors, the Toombs, the James, and the Kershaw families; and his wonderful cooks, Irene, Ruth, and Denise. They provided support, love, and comfort when he needed it most. At age 87, Bob was tasked with writing his own obituary for a creative writing assignment. He summed up his life beautifully: I won the lottery not for money but for life I won my family, my health, and my wife Robert J. Noonan (finally a published poet!) An on-line celebration of life will be held in early January. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Robert J. Noonan to either the Tolland CARES Scholarship Program or the Ellington Community Scholarship Program. TOLLAND CARES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Town of Tolland, Attention: Recreation Department 21 Tolland Green Tolland, CT 06084 ELLINGTON COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP ASSOCIATION ECSA, PO Box 54 Ellington, CT 06029 Or via PayPal at https://www.ecsact.org/