John J. Noel

John J. Noel, 75, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Bristol, Connecticut on July 28, 1948, he was the son of the late Albert J. and Veronica (Walczewski) Noel. John was raised in Bristol, where as a teenager, he worked alongside his father as a carpenter’s helper before graduating from Bristol Eastern High School with the Class of 1966. He continued his education at Central Connecticut College, taking courses to earn his bachelor's degree.

John married his high school sweetheart, Mary Czachorowski on August 23, 1969, in Torrington, Connecticut. The young couple made their first home together in Bristol, while John completed his collegiate studies, earning his bachelor's degree in 1971. In 1972, the couple settled in Southington, Connecticut and John took a position with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, working as a salesman. A year later, John returned to work with his father helping build many home additions over the next several years. Not fully satisfied with his job as a carpenter, John returned to his education, taking computer courses at Computer Processing Institute in East Hartford, learning the science of programming. He quickly found a job with Travelers Insurance in Hartford, where he worked for ten years. In the early 1990s, John returned to his education once more, earning his master's degree in social work from the University of Connecticut in 1992. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, John found his calling in helping others through counseling. He spent many years with Connecticut Counseling supporting his clients who struggled with addiction, overseeing many court mandated therapy groups. In his retirement, John made his home in Sun City, Bluffton, South Carolina where he made many good friends and enjoyed the over 55 lifestyle. Just this past spring, John and Mary returned home to New England, settling in Norwood to be closer to their family.

Throughout his life, John loved staying active. He was an avid golfer, taking any opportunity to hit the links with friends, sharpening his game along the way. Along with Mary, he looked forward to winter ski trips to their favorite slopes in Stowe, Vermont. As his golf game began to fade, John went out and bought a bass boat, joining the ranks of the Connecticut Valley Bassmasters, casting his line into the water in hope of reeling in the big one. John's active lifestyle carried over from his body to his mind, joining a writing club and letting his creativity flow to create wonderful short stories. While he was an excellent writer, John enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. He was a member of a local band in his early years, playing rhythm guitar.

Most of all, John loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed many trips to Europe and looked forward to several cruises with his wife, Mary, by his side. Back in the United States, John traveled with his in-laws throughout New England, but especially loved to visit Maine. They made countless trips up the coast, making memories in Boothbay Harbor, Portsmouth, Hiram Lake Camp, and Rangeley.

John stood tall in his diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy, fighting a courageous battle. He was also an inspiration to others with disabilities and advocated for handicapped accessibility wherever he went. John knew the importance of a safe access point to buildings, walkways, and public places, and was truly fearless when crossing any hurdles that stood in his way.

Beloved husband of Mary C. (Czachorowski) Noel.

Devoted Godson of Gerald Brochu of Oxford, Connecticut.

Loving brother-in-law of Philip Czachorowski and his wife, Lois, and Cathy Czachorowski.

Cherished uncle of Adam, Paul, and Margaret Czachorowski.

Second mother, Jane Bachman of Bristol, Connecticut.

Also survived by his many loving cousins.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Friday, August 18, 2023, at 10:00 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole prior to a Funeral Home Service that will begin at 10:30 AM. Interment will take place in Connecticut at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John's name may be made to the FSHD Society, 75 North Main Street, Suite 1073, Randolph, MA 02368 or at https://www.fshdsociety.org/ to support research in the field of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy.