Noel Louis Elmer Certain

Noel L.E. Certain, age 86, of Dix Hills, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY surrounded by his beloved family.

Born on October 26, 1938, in Westbury, NY, to Noel A. and Geneva (née Martin) Certain. Noel grew up in Port Washington and graduated from Paul D. Schreiber High School in 1957. A gifted scholar-athlete, he won the New York State Track 440-yard championship, played on the football, basketball, and baseball teams, served as class president and was a member of a doo-wop group that won the school's talent competition.

Noel went on to study education at Emporia State University in Kansas, where he continued as an elite scholar-athlete, ranked among the top long jumpers in the nation. He later earned a master's degree in education and began a long, impactful teaching career at Bay Shore High School. From 1967 until his retirement in 1999, Mr. Certain taught Social Studies with passion and creativity-bringing lessons to life through reenactments of pivotal historical moments and encouraging his students to realize their fullest potential.

His commitment to education and mentorship was only matched by his dedication to social change. A lifelong advocate for justice and equity, Mr. Certain was active in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and 70s. In later years, he championed causes aimed at reducing gun violence and advancing LGBTQ and immigrant rights.

At Bay Shore High School, Mr. Certain also coached the track and field and cross-country teams, leading his athletes to numerous individual and team championships. In recognition of his leadership and guidance, he was honored and humbled to be selected as Suffolk County Coach of the Year by the Coaches Association in 1998.

He is survived by his wife, Doreen (née Lewis) Certain; his beloved children Leslie (Bryan) Williams, Noel C. (Vilma) Certain, Gary (Chungsook) Certain, Kim Certain, and Krisnoel (Anthony) Certain-Grande, ten cherished grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; as well as his dear younger siblings William Certain and Marie Certain.

A private service will be held for immediate family. A public celebration of his life will take place on what would have been his 87th birthday-October 26, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.-at the Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington, NY, a venue that once housed Noel's Jr. High school.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make a blood or financial donation to the American Red Cross or any local blood bank. The Certain family expresses deep gratitude to the many blood donors whose generosity helped sustain him in his final days.