Rev. David E. Noone

Well, if you’re reading this, I’ve finally gone home—to be with family and friends and to finally meet a brother I never had the chance to know, as he was called home before I was born. No more emails, no more worrying about what to say in a homily, no more doctor’s appointments or remembering which pills to take—though I am grateful for their care that added to my years. And while I hate to leave behind the people and places I’ve loved, I trust that the same God who has walked with me all these years is walking me home now.

I was born on May 20, 1942, in Gloversville, N.Y., to John and Frances Noone, who gave me a foundation of faith, humor, and resilience that carried me through life. As a boy, I admired my parish priest and saw in him a way of life that resonated with me. I took it as a calling. On December 17, 1966 at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, I was ordained a priest—and for the rest of my life, I had the privilege of serving in ways I could never have imagined. I was a parish priest, a hospital chaplain, a campus minister—both at home and overseas—and I had the joy of helping build and support a secondary school in Haiti. In my retirement, I traveled extensively, making parish appeals on behalf of Unbound, supporting projects in 17 countries.

Along the way, I found joy in skiing in the winter, tennis in the summer, and music. I explored most of Europe, ventured a bit into Russia, China, Thailand and Japan, and took six unforgettable trips to New Zealand—a country unmatched in its beauty. I had a sense of humor, enjoyed crafting meaningful homilies, and loved meeting interesting people—each person bringing their own story, their own wisdom. I am especially grateful to Hideki Morooka for his friendship and for all the many small ways in which he enriched my life.

Looking back on my years in ministry, I can honestly say that being a priest has been one of the most meaningful ways to live a life. Each day brought a firsthand experience of grace. I entered the seminary because I believed God was calling me to the priesthood—that it was His plan for my life. I still believe that. But with the wisdom of years, I’ve come to understand that ministry isn’t simply what a priest does; it’s what God does for others through him—and for him through others.

I hope I’ve left behind more love than regret, more laughter than tears, and more faith than doubt. If you want to honor my memory, don’t send flowers—just take the time to notice grace at work in your own life, be kind to the people around you, and, if you think of it, say a prayer that I made it home.

The Funeral Masses will be held at St Ann Catholic Church in Fayetteville, NC on Tuesday, June 24 at 6 p.m. and at Christ Our Light Catholic Church in Loudonville, NY on Friday, June 27 at 10 a.m.