Noel J. LaFontaine

CASTLETON - Noel J. LaFontaine (Frenchie), 88, of Castleton, N.Y., a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026.
Noel was born in Auburn, N.Y., on June 1, 1937. He was predeceased by his parents, Dorothea and Leon LaFontaine; his brother, Alan LaFontaine; and his beloved "Irish", Imelda LaFontaine, his wife of 57 years.
Noel and Imelda met at The Ancient Order of Hibernians in Albany, and married on November 11, 1967. They later settled in Castleton, where they raised their three daughters.
Noel was a skilled carpenter, and began his career as a member of the local carpenters union in Albany, N.Y. He later worked for the New York State Office of General Services as a carpenter, and returned to school, pursuing electrical engineering at Hudson Valley Community College. He retired from OGS after 20 years of service.
Noel volunteered for many organizations throughout his lifetime, and believed in giving back to his community. He was an active member of the Castleton community and the Sacred Heart Church. He organized local fundraising activities for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, volunteered with the Salvation Army, and volunteered with his local parish. Noel was known to many, always sharing a story, a cup of coffee or helping someone in need.
One of his greatest joys in life was spending time with his grandchildren. He will always be known as their beloved Pop, the keeper of the coffee cups, electrical tape, Dunkin Donuts gift cards, scratch off tickets, and of course an endless supply of rubber bands. He was always present to support them with all their activitiesm providing encouragement and advice.
Noel is survived by his daughters, Michele Eiger, Colleen Rowan, and Heather (Rob) Leddick; his grandchildren, Nicholas and Samual (Betsy) Rapp, Sean (Aubrey), Connor and Ryan Leddick, Bryce, Benjamin and Abigail Burke; and his great-granddaughters, Isabelle and Scarlette Leddick.
A viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., on Wednesday, January 14, in the Sacred Heart Church, 3 Catholic Way, Castleton-On-the-Hudson, N.Y. 12033, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in the church at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery 2501 Troy – Schenectady Rd., Niskayuna, N.Y. 12309.
The family thanks the staff at Van Rensselaer Manor C3 unit for their extraordinary kindness, compassion and dignity shown to Noel in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice.