NOBLE, JOHN MUFFIE, Patriarch of the “Noviello Nation” and lifelong DuBois resident, after living an extraordinary 100 years, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2021 at the DuBois Village.
Born April 18, 1921, son of the late Nicholas and Margaret (Muffie) Noble, beloved father of Allison Noble of DuBois, John Noble of Greensburg, PA and Tom Noble of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and loving Father-in-Law to Beth Iezzi and Becky (Mesich) Noble.
Beloved Grandfather of Alex and “Jake” Noble of Pittsburgh, Elly (Noble) Carr (Dan) of Harrison City, Nina and Nick Noble of Milwaukee, Emily and Nicholas Alwine of Greensburg and Great Grandfather of Nolan and Nathan Carr.
Loving Brother of 14 pre-deceased siblings, including brothers Rocky, Joe, Rolly, Chet, George and Nick.
He was particularly adored as “Johnny” by his sisters Margie, Ginny and Marlene and by many loving nieces, nephews and extended relatives as well as by dear friends, Vern & Sue Shaffer and Billy Lines.
He was also preceded in death by the late Ann (Merris) Noble.
John Noble was employed by Hiram Walker, Inc. for 35 years, thereafter enjoying 38 years of “retirement”.
While no one was ever quite sure what his job was, everyone who knew him said they would like to have had that job.
Severely wounded by shrapnel fire as a machine gun sergeant in the invasion of Normandy, John received the Purple Heart Medal, which remains on display at the DuBois American Legion Post 17.
Known for his quick comebacks and unique sense of humor, when thanked for his military service, he was apt to say, “Yeah, I fought like hell….but they made me go anyway!”
Upon later meeting President Eisenhower at a US Open, he introduced himself to the former General and Allied Commander saying, “I used to work for you… and I didn’t like it very much!”
Locally, John was proud to serve as an Usher at St. Catherine’s Church for 35 years as well as 25 years as the Chairman of the City of DuBois Zoning Board.
“Big John” will be remembered for his colorful sport coats, not carrying a wallet, “flat” meatballs, blanched holiday nuts and sparkling burgundy, his heavily-secured fireworks storage facilities, fireworks displays, producing 12 United Fund Theatre Productions, DuBois Country Club spaghetti fundraisers, Walnut Avenue holiday gatherings, opening his trunk at family reunions, his antique copper collection, the orange and white patio parachute, decades of volunteer fundraising and stuffed chicken at Thanksgiving.
In his heyday, John enjoyed organizing large social events and church festivals, going to the racetrack/betting on horses, attending Steeler games, many a Super Bowl/Las Vegas junket, golf trips and “Men’s Day” with his friends “Nim” (Coots) Warren, “Duff” (Tess) McEnteer, Bill Carlisle, Jack Dougherty, “Had” Nelson, Bill Nichol, the Delaney Brothers and many others at the Club, the Pine Inn or the Boathouse.
He particularly enjoyed his longtime friendships with Bill “Brownie” Brown, “Doc (Bill) Hill”, “Tatie” Miller, “Patty” Carlisle and the Harriger and Gray families.
In later years, he enjoyed regular “date nights”, Florida vacations and travel with his long-time companion, Betsy Lezzer, home cooking, more fireworks, dealing in jewelry, antiques, coins and precious metals, playing gin and, especially, shooting craps in Atlantic City and Las Vegas Casinos.
Above all else, he loved his family while living life on his own terms – nobody did the latter more convincingly.
In fact, he passed while a cd of “My Way” was playing.
While not telling them so, he was exceedingly proud of his children – leaving an envelope that said, “you know it had to happen…..to the best three kids, and I loved All Three.”
While not one to ever complain, he often instead claimed “we’re all very lucky…”
There was never anyone else like him – and all who knew him and loved him will surely miss the charm and charisma of the one and only “Big John”. Rest assured his closing thoughts included “Goodbye, you people”. We were all so very lucky.
The family would like to thank the many Village Personal Care Aides and every one of his many loving caregivers at the DuBois Village over the past five years.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 3, 2021 from 4 PM -7 PM from the Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 10 AM from St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church with John’s nephew, Father Jeffrey Noble and Msgr. Richard Siefer con-celebrating.
Burial will follow in Morningside Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded by the members of the DuBois Area Honor Guard.
Memorial donations may be made to the DuBois Village, 282 South 8th Street, and/or St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, 118 South State Street, both in DuBois, PA 15801.
Online condolences can be made to www.baronickfuneralhome.com
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