Sidney Lucien Noel

Falmouth - Sidney Lucien Noel, 91, of Mast Road, died on June 30, 2018, surrounded by his family, after a short illness. Sidney was a proud member of the "Greatest Generation" of which he lived up to the moniker. Sidney was born on August 7, 1926, in Portland, the son of the late Lucien J. ("Minnow") and Loveiner (Rancour) Noel. Sidney grew up in Portland, attended local schools, including West Middle School, and Portland High School. In 1944, while Sidney was attending high school, he postponed his education to enlist in the United States Navy and fight in WWII. Sidney was assigned to the USS Topeka of the 7th Pacific Fleet, as a Chief Gunner's mate of the 44mm anti-aircraft guns. His fleet attacked Saipan and was part of the first ships to bomb Tokyo. He was in Tokyo Harbor when the peace treaty was signed to end the war. After discharge and the long, quiet, journey home from the South Pacific, he went back to high school and graduated PHS, Class of 1948. After high school Sidney worked in the molded fiber industry for over 46 years. He worked as a machinist at Chaplin/Diamond/PCA/Pactiv manufacturing company for 42 years until his first retirement. Sidney's contributions to the industry were not done and he quickly returned to his trade and worked beside his sons at Molded Fiber Technology from 1992 to 1998. Sidney married Katherine (Kay) Kilmartin, his high school sweetheart, the light of his life, and his bride for nearly 70 years, in September 1948 at St. Joseph's Church in Portland Maine. Part of what made Sidney a great man was this great woman. Sidney knew this to be true and he let others know that his life was blessed by the wonderful life he spent with Kay. Sidney enjoyed many activities especially time he spent with his family and his friends. His Friday night card games of poker with Eddie, Ernest, Lynn and Ken, any cribbage tournament (against family, friends or strangers) he entered and won, and bowling, were pastimes he enjoyed up until his passing. He belonged to multiple bowling leagues, with his lifelong friend and competitor Al Rousseau, and several couples' leagues with his wife, Katherine. No matter how busy Sidney kept he always made time for his family. He was a fan of the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots, and was very involved with his children's and grandchildren's sports activities. He was a constant "coach", always offering instructions and guidance. No matter where he was, he wanted to let his kids know what they did well and where they could improve and to never settle. He believed hard work can lead to success and he was walking proof of it. He will be remembered by his family as a jokester, a man who loved to laugh, even at himself, a loving and devoted husband, a fantastic father, an awesome grandfather, a super great-grandfather and a proud and humble member of "America's Greatest Generation." Sidney was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church; he was involved with the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, frequent lunches with Art Smith, Dick Langella and the gang, and several other organizations. Sidney was predeceased by his oldest son, James "Jim" Noel; and a sister, Lorraine Dunsmoor. He is survived by his beautiful bride, Katherine Noel of Falmouth; two daughters, Kathie Noel of Auburn, Cheryl Noel of Windham; three sons, Kevin Noel and his partner Mary Woloszyn of Falmouth, Dennis Noel of Saco, Matthew Noel and his wife Laurie of Windham; a sister, Irene Colasanti of NY; six grandchildren, Michelle, Katie, Jake, Bridget, Marissa, Spencer; 3 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visiting hours will be held from 3:00-7:00PM on Sunday July 8, 2018, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 9:15AM on Monday, July 9, 2018, followed by a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 673 Stevens Ave., Portland. Burial with Military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery. To view Sidney's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Animal Refuge League, PO Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098.