Donald Upton Noblett, almost 85, of Easton, died at home amid his loving family on Monday, October 10, 2011. His parents were the former Ralph S. Noblett and Florence M. Smith of Cleveland, Ohio.
Don was a graduate of Case Institute of Technology of Cleveland, B.S. Chemical Engineering and a MA from Columbia University, NY.
He served in the US Navy, 1945-46, US Naval Reserve, 1951-61. As a Research Chemist for The Glidden Company in Cleveland, he returned to his alma mater as Ass’t. Director of Admissions; then became Director of Admissions at Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, Ohio then Director of Admissions of Lafayette College, Easton, PA in 1958. At Lafayette he subsequently was appointed Director of Development, Director of College Planning, Director, then Vice President of Physical Planning and Operations. His service to Lafayette was over 34 years.
In Easton, Don served the community on the Citizens Advisory Committee, the Boards of Directors of the American Red Cross, Family Counseling, the Easton Area Public Library, Bushkill Stream Conservancy, and Executive Service Corps of Lehigh Valley. He was General Campaign Chair in 1973 of the United Way of Northampton and Warren Counties. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Palmer Township.
In 1939 he became a Boy Scout with Troop 301 in Bratenahl, Ohio, reaching rank of Life. In Easton he became Pack 3 Cubmaster, then Troop 3 Scoutmaster during which sons Jeffrey and Bruce attained Eagle Scout rank. He is a Vigil; member of the Order of the Arrow. Don served the Minsi Trails Council, BSA on the Executive Board, as Council Commissioner, as Weygadt Trustee. He received the Silver Beaver Award in 1978, the God and Service Award in 2001 and the 50 Year Service award in 2006.
As a member of College Hill Presbyterian Church he has served as Deacon, Trustee and Elder. He led various committees of Lehigh Presbytery and was Moderator in 1974, then Stated Clerk 1997-2005 and Commissioner to the General Assembly in Chicago in 1970. He served the Synod of the Trinity on committees and as Moderator from 1994-96.
Exploring the wonders of our beautiful nation with three kids and a cocker spaniel were treasured times for all the family. He enjoyed taking the public bus into NYC to the theater as well as driving around the country to the annual reunion of longtime Ohio friends.
Survivors: Don and his wife, Vivian were married in 1952 in Lakewood, Ohio. Their sons are Jeffrey and his wife, Jenny of Colorado Springs, CO; Bruce and his wife Linda of Rowlett, TX; daughter, Judith Steinberg and her husband Michael of Easton, PA. The grandchildren are: Lauren Noblett; Jennifer Flansburg and her husband, Daniel; Bryan Noblett, Benjamin Steinberg, Leanna Noblett and Peter Steinberg and great- granddaughter is Arden Flansburg.
Services: Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m., October 22 (Sat.) in the College Hill Presbyterian Church, 501 Brodhead St., Easton with a calling period from 7 to 8:30 p.m. October 21 (Fri.) in the Rounsley Chapel of the Church.
Memorial Contributions: may be made to Minsi Trails Council, BSA, 991 Postal Road, Allentown, PA or College Hill Presbyterian Church, 501 Brodhead St. Easton PA.
Russ Abbood
October 11, 2011 at 10:33 am
Mrs Noblett, Judy, Bruce and Jeff-
It is always hard to find the right words when somebody passes away. I am very sad that you all have lost such a wonderful man, but I am sure that you must have some wonderful memories to look back on. I am just your old neighbor, but have very fond memories of Mr Noblett and I am sitting here in tears sad that he is gone. I am so glad that I was back home a few summers ago to see him. I loved growing-up in our old neighborhood. I used to love when Mr and Mrs Noblett would come out here to Colorado or Texas to visit one of the boys, you would let me come over and let the dog out while you were gone. Penny, right? Made me feel responsible. Thank You. I will never forget. I love and miss you ALL.
Russ
Sue Pizor Yoder
October 11, 2011 at 4:22 pm
The earth has lost a real saint…but heaven has reclaimed one! I am lifting you to the throne of grace in your time of loss and praying that our gracious Lord will sustain you. Blessings, Sue Pizor Yoder
Susann Madara
October 11, 2011 at 6:55 pm
Dear Vivian, Judy, Jeffrey, Jennifer, Arden and little Amber (unfortunately I did not have the pleasure of meeting all of the family),
It was my extreme privilege to take care of Don, while he was on Hospice. Vivian, you were so very kind and warm receiving me into your home to give care to your precious husband. I learned quickly the routine of both of you so as not to interfere with your personal life…but I did feel like a part of the family. Judy, you were so kind to me while I cared for your father; I enjoyed joining as a team, to avoid any extra turn or roll so keep Don from pain. Jeffrey, Jennifer and Arden…I remember when we met the love and concern I saw in your eyes for Don and the hours you spent with your father, giving respite to your mother and Judy. I remember the calls from Bruce to his father on Tuesday mornings…the two of you would chat about all that is great in your family. I remember the sketches Vivian would work on and the sparkle in Don’s eye when he saw them, and how we would say, “they should be published.” And then there is Amber. She would meet me at the door ready for anything. When I was done caring for her Daddy, I would sit down and talk to Don and Amber would jump on my lap. Don told me she likes shoulder and back rubs. Then came the walks around the circle for Amber. Amber would only walk during sunny days, without sights or sounds of trucks or maintenance work (which scared poor Amber). Her begging for treats for her accomplishments would be given after sitting up with her paws begging. I miss Donald Noblett. I miss Vivian and Judy. I miss Amber. I miss coming to your home every morning and caring for a man I admired with a loving wife by his side and a family very near and dear to him.
Ed Kerns
October 13, 2011 at 11:46 am
Vivian,
Don will always hold a special place in my heart for what he meant to me as a young professor at Lafayette. His and your support of the arts has been remarkable. He will be missed. His legacy of service and love resides in many.
Ed Kerns
Boyer Veitch
October 21, 2011 at 3:04 pm
Dear Vivian – I just learned the news of Don’s passing. As I’m sure you felt during the years of my relations with Don, I not only knew him to be a very competent college administrator but considered him a warm friend as well. He and I, and sometimes with you in company, enjoyed much fun together while we tried to guide and improve the mission of Lafayette. I’ll miss him and those times we had together greatly. My sincerest condolences, Vivian. Please let me know if there is anything I might do to help you through this very sad period of grief.
With sad regards and love. Boyer
Charles R Spigelman
January 7, 2012 at 2:35 pm
Dear Mrs. Noblett, Jeff, Bruce and Judy:
I only recently learned of Mr. Noblett’s passing and wanted to extend my condolences to you. I remember Mr. Noblett well as my scout master in Troop 3 and from visiting at your home on occassion after school with Jeff. I also remember seeing Mr. Noblett walking on campus at Lafayette from time to time during my years there and it was always good to see him; he always had a smile and a kind word for me. As you know, I have no family connection to Easton anymore, aside from Lafayette, but I have always remembered Mr. Noblett and all of you with fondness as the years have passed.
My belated condolences to you all.
.