Noel Dwight Cotterell

Noel Dwight Cotterell peacefully passed away on February 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born to the late Rose H. Powell and Fernando W. Cotterell in Kingston, Jamaica, on October 23, 1957.
Noel was a devoted husband to Cynthia Williams-Cotterell and a proud father to his five children-Ebony Cotterell, Shaneece Cotterell, Sequoia Williams-Montiero, Camryn Williams Cotterell, and Jaydin Cotterell-who brought light and laughter into his life. He cherished time spent with his three grandchildren, Mickell Cameron, Caleb Cotterell, and Ajayna Cotterell.
For 41 years, Noel dedicated his career to UMass Boston as the Senior Director of Finance and interim lead for the Marketing and Engagement division, where he made a lasting impact on colleagues and students alike. He was not only a hardworking professional but also a passionate mentor. For nearly 18 years, he served as the head coach of the UMass Boston men's soccer team, guiding and inspiring young athletes both on and off the field. Noel was the first coach in UMass Boston history to reach the 100-career win mark and remains the winningest coach in UMass Boston men's soccer history, leading the Beacons to their first-ever ECAC and Little East Conference Tournament appearances.
Noel was also deeply involved in soccer officiating, serving as a State Referee, NISOA National Referee, and former President of NEISOA. He first became a referee in 1991 through the Massachusetts State Referee Committee (MSRC), and he advanced to State Referee (now Regional) in 2004, the same year he was honored as the Adult Referee of the Year by MSRC. Subsequently, he began officiating college soccer, eventually achieving NISOA National Referee status.
Outside of work, Noel found peace and happiness in the simple pleasures of life. He loved the outdoors and took great pride in tending to his garden, cultivating beauty and tranquility with his own hands. He loved to travel and cherished visiting his favorite vacation spots with his family. A man of warmth and generosity, he was always ready to share a story, lend a hand, or offer a smile. His circle of friends and family was vast, a testament to the kindness and love he shared with those around him.
Noel is predeceased by his brothers Frederick Cotterell, Winston Cotterell, Donovan Cotterell, and Ian Cotterell. He is survived by his beloved siblings Keith Powell, Cheddi Cotterell, Collin A. Cotterell, Andrea Cotterell-Osuji, Joan Cotterell, Orville Cotterell, Melinda Russell, Joy Cotterell, Rohan Cotterell, Stephen Cotterell, Maurice Cotterell, Lystra Cotterell, Michael Cotterell, and Charmaine Cotterell, his brothers-in-law Chika Osuji and Donald Russell, and sisters-in-law Willie Powell, Yvonne Cotterell, Jo Anne Cotterell, Sandra Cotterell, Keisha Cotterell, and Blondell Cotterell, as well as a host of cherished relatives and dear friends who will deeply miss him.
Noel's legacy of love, strength, and unwavering dedication will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the incredible life he lived and the profound impact he had on so many.
Rest in peace, Noel. Your love, wisdom, and laughter will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Noel's children's college fund.
Visitation will be held at the New Jerusalem Evangelical Baptist Church, 871 N. Main Street, RANDOLPH on Friday, February 21st. from 10-11AM. Funeral Service to begin at 11AM. Interment at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree. Relatives and friends invited.
21
Feb
Visitation
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
New Jerusalem Evangelical Baptist Church 871 N. Main St. Randolph, MA 02368
21
Feb
Funeral Service
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
New Jerusalem Evangelical Baptist Church 871 N. Main St. Randolph, MA 02368
21
Feb
Burial
12:45 PM - 01:30 PM
Blue Hill Cemetery 700 West Street Braintree, MA 02184