John "Wayne" Noel

John “Wayne” Noel. 85, of Cranston, RI, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025, with his wife and children beside him. He was born on May 13th, 1940, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada to John and Ida (Leblanc), and spent his youth there, before emigrating to the States in 1963. He was the youngest of seven children and the last of that generation. John attended the University of Massachusetts, before moving with his first wife, Judy, and his son Sean to Rhode Island and obtaining his master’s degree at Rhode Island College. He would live in Rhode Island for the rest of his life, though he would travel the US and Canada extensively throughout (He would only go where he could drive to, due to a fear of flying). He spent 28 years as an educator in the East Providence School system, retiring in 1998. 

John had many passions. Music, Books, Photography, Sports and especially Hockey (He was a proud Canadian, after all). As he was a die-hard fan of several teams that were not local to where he lived (the Montreal Canadiens, New York Yankees, New York Knicks and the Detroit Lions), there was always a light-hearted banter between him and his friends and family. It is said that his knowledge of sports (He was a Physical Education teacher, so…) benefitted his fortune in later years through well placed wagers among friends.  His greatest passion, however, was his Family. He was married to his beloved wife, Louise, for almost 40 years. He has passed on his passion for music (particularly that of Gordon Lightfoot) to his son Sean and his love of all things sport has been passed to his grandsons Matthew and Michael. Their “discussions” during family get togethers have achieved legendary status.

John is survived by his wife, Louise (Dudra) of Cranston RI, his son Sean and his wife Jennifer (long rumored to be his favorite and his hero!) Noel of Raynham, MA, his grandchildren, Matthew Noel of Taunton, MA and Michael Noel and his wife Amelia along with their wonderful daughters Adelaide and Sutton Noel of Norwood, MA who have brought him immeasurable joy these past few years. John is also survived by several nieces and nephews throughout the US and Canada.  He was predeceased by his granddaughter Meaghan Noel and by his first wife, Judith (Moore) Noel.
John’s favorite quote was “Living well is the best revenge”. He certainly embodied that sentiment, and he would encourage you all to do so. It served him well. 

Services for John will be private at a future date to be determined. If desired, donations to the Meaghan Noel Memorial Fund would be welcome in his memory. This is a fund established in memory of his late granddaughter that helps support Teachers in the SE Mass and RI areas. Donations may be sent to “Meaghan Noel Memorial Fund”, 63 Debby, Lane, Raynham, MA 02767. Also, John was an avid reader, and a strong proponent of the Public Library system. The family encourages everyone to visit your local library often, and donations of books or funds would be greatly appreciated.