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Donald Noreika Obituary
Binghamton - After a short illness, fought until his last breath, Don entered heaven's gates on January 9th where angels' arms opened wide to welcome him. Don's loving family and large circle of friends will forever miss his quiet wit, loving & unselfish manner, positive outlook and caring spirit coupled with his deep faith. He was the kindest, most gentle man, husband, father and "Pops" a family could ever hope to have. Don will forever be known as teacher, mentor, artist, volunteer & "Dazzling Don," the magician. Don was born on April 6, 1936 and lived in Binghamton/Endwell area his whole life where he left a legacy of caring. He moved to Virginia in April. Don graduated from St. Bonaventure and Notre Dame. He taught high school Biology, Chemistry and AP courses at Seton, then at Johnson City High School for a total of 42 years before retiring in 2002. He also served as the District Science Coordinator for several years. Don's true passion was helping others. After retirement, he volunteered at Wilson Hospital and later at Mercy House where several mornings each week he cooked breakfast for residents and became known as the "bacon man." He was a faithful volunteer there, willing to lend a hand wherever there was a need. Mercy House residents, volunteers and staff soon became like second family to Don and Carla. Don also was very active at Church of the Holy Family where he was a lector, Eucharistic Minister, Bazaar Chairperson, chapel adorer and daily communicant. Don adored his grandchildren and they will miss their Pops's love, humor and wonderful magic shows. Don is survived by his wife, best friend and soulmate of 48 years, Carla (Gerchman) Noreika, of Midlothian, VA, formerly of Endwell. Beloved father to Lori (Eric) Chilcott of Buffalo, Dr. Kevin (Dr. Danielle) Noreika of Moseley, VA, Paul Noreika of Naples, FL, and Karen (Todd) Rosenkrans of Binghamton. Loving grandfather of Kayli and Kierstyn Rosenkrans, Victoria and Gabrielle Chilcott and Matthew Noreika. Also survived by Mary Alice and Sean Terboss of Rochester and many dear friends. A celebration of Don's life will take place on Saturday, January 20th, 2018 at 12:00pm at The Church of the Holy Family. The family will receive friends from 10:00am-12pm at the church on January 20th. In lieu of flowers, donations in Don's name can be made to Mercy House, 212 North McKinley Avenue, Endicott. Please forward his kind spirit by sharing a smile or good deed.
LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!!
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Noreika
Sponsored by the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin.
TheWeb3Patriot
December 3, 2025
RIP good Sir
Sharon Beavan
January 26, 2018
I was so sorry to learn of Mr. Noreika's passing. I always enjoyed his classes and still write my "A's" the same way he did - with the backwards slant.
I have posted a photo that was part of our JCHS Class of '79 yearbook. Mr. Noreika was so serious teaching that skeleton (sporting his tie) AP Biology. He had the entire class laughing!
Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss.
From the JCHS Class of '79 Yearbook
Sharon Beavan
January 26, 2018
Jill Keller
January 21, 2018
Mr. Noreika was my high school chemistry teacher. He was a firm, yet engaging teacher. He was considerate of all students, and I benefited from his direct-with-frequent-visuals teaching style. I remember that he was left-handed! He certainly led a fulfilling life, putting others before himself; this obituary was a beautiful summary of one of God's disciples on earth!
Julianne M. ("Jill") Keller
(JCHS class of 1977)
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Eleanor Perry(Slesinsky)
January 21, 2018
Thoughts and prayers to your family... sorry for your loss.... I will miss him..
Susan DeLuca
January 19, 2018
My deepest sympathy to your entire family.
A wonderful Teacher!
Student from Seton
Nancy Kleinsmith
January 19, 2018
While our world seems a little darker, the stars in heaven shine brighter with the presence of Mr. Noreika. I will always remember him as a kind and compassionate person.
I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Noreika as a student at JC and again as a colleague.
God Bless his family in this time of sadness.
Nancy E. Kleinsmith, Vestal, NY
Bonnie Davis
January 19, 2018
The best teacher I had at Seton! He was a very caring teacher. Prayers to the family.
John DeLuca
January 19, 2018
what a great man... best science teacher I ever had... Seton was fortunate to have him... the world was fortunate to have him...
January 19, 2018
My condolences to the Noreika family. He taught me at JCHS and later in life I had the pleasure of seeing him at UHS when he volunteered. The picture that is posted is perfect - he was always smiling. May he rest in peace.
Doris Hamill
January 19, 2018
I am a year or two away from concluding a long career in science and technology management. I currently work for NASA. Donald Noreika, as a biology teacher at Seton HS in Endicott, NY in the 1960s, set me on the course of my life by fanning my love for science with his "laboratory assistants squad." I consider him to be the most important teacher of my life.
I met Carla in the first year of his acquaintance with her, before they were married. Mr. Noreika (as I must still think of him) led a camping field trip to Assateague Island, Virginia. We came away pretty sure that his bachelor days were over.
I wish Carla and the family all the best in their bereavement. Be comforted to know that his work lives on in those like myself who were inspired to go into the noble pursuits of science by his concern and attention.
Teri Spalik
January 18, 2018
Prayers to Mr Noreika's family and friends. He was my wonderful JCHS Chemistry teacher ... what a beautiful way to capture all he did. God Bless
Kathy Stevens
January 18, 2018
Mr. Noreika was my biology teacher at JCHS. He brought his love, enthusiasm and respect of nature to class every day. It was infectious. Truly a wise and kind man. Peace.
Elizabeth Howe
January 18, 2018
Carla and familyMy prayers are with you all! I'm so happy to have met Don, aka bacon and French toast master chef at the Mercy House. He will forever be missed.Fondly,Elizabeth Howe (hospice)
Liz Nealon
January 18, 2018
Mr. Noreika was my teacher at Seton High School (Class of '72). Science was a joy in his classroom --- a journey of exploration and discovery. My condolences to his family for your loss. He made a difference in the lives of a great many.
Becky Tinker
January 18, 2018
Don and Carla volunteered for us at Wilson, such wonderful people. Don always had a smile on his face , a pleasant word to say ,and was willing to help in any way, a truly wonderful man. My thoughts go out to Carla and the family.
Kathleen Wessman
January 18, 2018
Carla and Family...
I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was such a lovely, gentle, accepting, and welcoming person; it was my pleasure to have met him. May he rest in peace and may your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
You will be in my prayers.
January 18, 2018
My condolences to you. Mr. Noreika was my teacher at JCHS for a few classes. He always had a smile and a kind word. He had such an influence on me, that I became a teacher too. May you be blessed by your memories.
January 18, 2018
Dear Carla & family,
We were so sorry to learn of Don's passing. Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Linda & Dennis Harding
Tim Cooper
January 18, 2018
Carla, I only have the fondest thoughts for Don and all the great years of working with him at JC. My thoughts and prayers are with your family today.
Tim Cooper
SHS '72 reunion 2017
January 18, 2018
Mr. Noreika was my Biology teacher at Seton Catholic. His influence is part of how I became a devotee of Mother Nature. He will never be forgotten.
<3 Corinne Rausch Potter, Olean NY
Louis & Isabel Montone
January 18, 2018
Carla & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Larry Rowe
January 18, 2018
Don lived God's way, not the world's way! I always admired him for that! His faith and strength of conviction surpassed all of us! He will be welcomed with open arms in heaven! " well done my good and faithful servant "!
Carla, we will pray for you and your family for peace of mind knowing that you had such a good and faithful husband, father, and grandfather!
Larry and Judy Rowe
agnes carey
January 18, 2018
Carla,
I share your sorrow.
Peace,
Agnes Carey (Church of The Holy Family)
Colleen Wood
January 18, 2018
Carla and family, my sincerest condolences to you....Don was a fabulous teacher and friend at JCHS. What a kind & gentle soul. Thoughts & prayers...
Joe Ciotoli
January 18, 2018
Carla and children, so sad to hear of Don's passing. As I am sure you do as well, I have nothing but fond memories of Don during our years at JC. Never met more kind or gentler person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Colleen (Hall) Smith
January 18, 2018
Mr. Noreika was my mother's chemistry teacher at Seton (Endicott, before SCC) and my teacher at JCHS. Very fond memories of not only a great teacher, but a pleasant and kind man. May you all have fond memories that ease your grief and may God hold you in the palm of His hand, until you meet again. Sincerest condolences.
January 18, 2018
Thanks for your friendship and leadership as my Science Chair. I see you on the other side.
Bill Docekal
January 18, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Stan Kosick
January 17, 2018
Mr Noreika was a great teacher and wonderful person. He was my homeroom teacher and AP teacher at JCHS. The world seems a little less happy without him in it
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