Frederic L. Noel

Frederic L. Noel 1929 - 2012 SPRINGFIELD - Frederic Louis Noel, 83, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on Sunday March 18th at Red-stone Rehabilitation in East Long-meadow. Born in Springfield to the late Louis and Laura (Millette) Noel, he was a 1946 graduate of Springfield Trade High School and served 20 years in the Army National Guard 104th Infantry 26th Yankee Division, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1968 at the rank of Master Sergeant. He received the Massachusetts Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and Army Reserve Achievement Award. Fred was employed in the heating / air conditioning field over the years at various places, including Baystate Thread Works as a Maintenance Repairman, Sears Roebuck Co. in Automotive Sales and Heating/Plumbing Sales, Gray Supply Co. in Outside Wholesale Sales, Bay State Gas Co. in Heating Dept. Sales, Supervisor of Trade Relations and Manager of the Propane Division and at the Cellite Engineers Co. in Outside Wholesale Sales. Fred completed several courses over the years in Photography, Power Tools and Plumbing & Heating and was a graduate of the National Warm Air Institute and Duc-Pac Installation School. He conducted classes in Heat Loss and Application of Equipment at STCC for Oil Service Managers of New England and Heating Dealers. He was an active member and Past President of the Springfield Synchronized Swimming Assoc. and co-founder of Aqualinas. He served on Board of Directors of the "Singout Springfield" and formed the Rainbow Investors, serving two terms as Presiding Partner. Fred collaborated with the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum and Springfield Museums to collect and preserve local Military History of the 104th Infantry, dating back to 1639. His goal was to make accurate information available to the public. He also served two terms as President of the 104th Infantry Retirees Assoc. and held a lifetime membership in the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers. Fred was a longtime communicant of Holy Name Parish in Springfield and a founding member of the Men's Club, serving as its First President. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Josephine (Sostoski) Noel of Springfield; his four children, Theresa Lynch of Palmer, Elizabeth Noel of Springfield, Louise Escobar and her husband Luis of Feeding Hills and David Noel and his wife Michelle of Wilmington, NC; a stepson, David "D.J." Sostoski and his fiancee Tracy Rafferty and her children Sean and Ryan Rafferty, all of Springfield; his sister, Rita DeCaro and her husband Dominic of Ludlow; seven grandchildren, Michael and James Lynch, Adam Escobar, Stephanie, Christine and Matthew Noel and Alyssa Sostoski; sister-in-law, Ann Santonastasi of Springfield; nephews, James Gamache and his wife Linda of Westfield, Michael, John and Rob Ciaschini, all of Springfield, Tony and Nick DeCaro and a niece Joanne DeCaro. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Joan G. Noel and by two sisters, Lorraine Gamache and Isabel Ciaschini. All Funeral Services and burial will be private for the family. Hafey Funeral Service is entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred's memory to the charity of one's choice. For online condolences, please visit www.hafeyfuneralservice.com