John Noonan

JOHN THOMAS 'TOM' NOONAN, 83 ROCKFORD - John Thomas "Tom" Noonan, 83, of Rockford, went to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, Dec. 3, 2012, while at his home with his family. He was born Oct. 1, 1929, in Canton, Ohio, the son of Frank I. and Helen McMahon Noonan, and step-mother, Grace Noonan. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Carol Lee Payne Noonan on Sept. 8, 1951, in Canton. He was a sales engineer for companies including Sundstrand, Barber Colman, Warner Electric and Russell Associates. He was also a U.S. Air Force veteran during 1955 to 1957. Member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and former member of Hope Reformed Church. Former member of Alpine Kiwanis Club of Rockford, Wood Turners Club and the Clock Tower Tennis Club. He was a mechanical engineer from Ohio University and a member of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. He was a man of many interests and activities, but his main passion was demonstrated in his life as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Tom is lovingly survived by his wife, Carol, son, John (Joanie) Noonan and daughters, Catherine Noonan and Patricia (Elmer) Rice, all of Rockford; brother, James Francis Noonan of Columbia, Md.; sister, Carol Jean (Jan) Eberhard; sister-in-law, Barb Noonan; grandchildren, John P. (Melissa) Noonan, James T. Noonan, Molly (Brian) Foley and Steven (Julie) Rice; great- grandchildren, Liam Richard Foley and Elyse Claire Noonan; His canine companion, Riley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Predeceased by his parents; brother, Robert Irwin Noonan; and sister-in-law, Dawn Noonan. Thank you to special caregivers, Tom, Wayne and Nova, and the Heartland Hospice staff. Memorial service at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rockford, with visitation from 1:30 p.m. to service time; the Rev. Dr. Bill Ward will officiate. Memorials may be given in care of the family. For online register, maps or directions, visit weltefuneral.com.