William Theodore Noll Jr.

William Theodore Noll, Jr. (fondly known to many as "Ted," "Gar," and "William") passed away February 5th, 2026 surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. His motto in life was "Laugh a lot and make others laugh even more!" He had a deep love for God's natural world, which began as a kid growing up outside the Twin Cities of Minnesota, where he spent hours with the family golden retrievers exploring the deep woods, fields, ponds, and streams, studying the wildlife, and mesmerized by the beauty he encountered. This connection to nature touched him profoundly in the places he subsequently lived: the Berkshire Mountains surrounding Williams College in northwestern Massachusetts with their gorgeous fall foliage; the lush, verdant delta of Bangkok, Thailand, during his military service; the majestic Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Montana; the tropical fragrance of the trade winds that embrace Hawaii; and the plaintive cry of the seagulls on the south shore of Long Island, Hermosa Beach, California, and the waters surrounding the San Juan Islands of Washington. After retiring from a successful career in the financial services industry, he immediately wanted to do his part to protect the natural world he loved so much and became a certified wildlife volunteer firefighter at age 65.

Another great passion was his love for music, which began in college when he co-hosted a music radio broadcast every week where he and a good friend would spin vinyl records of that era. In his late 70s, after moving to Florida, he once again ignited his wide-ranging music knowledge and appreciation and DJed a two-hour radio music broadcast every other week, covering all genres to the delight of a faithful audience. But his most cherished appreciation in life was creating epic memories with family and friends.

As he concluded every radio broadcast, "I won't say goodbye, just so long for now."

William is survived by his two sons, Trip (Brenda) Noll, Gillett (Lynne) Cole; grandchildren, Libby Cole, Katharine Cole; cherished sister Sally (Tim) Ryan; nieces, Katharine, Kendall, Molly, Kelly, and nephews Christopher, Lance and Chase. He was preceded in death by his parents Ted (Peggy) Noll; his beloved sisters, Mary (Michael Burke) Noll, Molly (Scott) Jacobs.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Maui Veterans Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the "American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals" ("ASPCA") or your local animal rescue shelter.

Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.