John W. Noonan

With great sadness, we announce that the Honorable John W. Noonan, of New Hempstead, NY and Naples, FL, passed away peacefully at his home on January 5, 2021, at age 93, in the loving arms of his wife of 35 years, Eileen. He was a Great Man, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, and Friend. Jack was a proud World War II US Army Veteran serving with the 11th Airborne Division in the Philippines. He was often seen wearing his cap with the World War II insignia.

He was a graduate of Columbia College class of 1950 and Columbia Law School class of 1953. His stellar legal career included positions with the law firm McCarter, English, and Studer, Professor of Law Seton Hall Law School, legal assistant to Governor Meyner of New Jersey, Asst. Prosecutor of Essex County, NJ, and Deputy Attorney General of NJ.

From the late 60’s through the 80’s, he was in private practice with John Flynn Esq. and also Robert DeGroat Esq. specializing in criminal defense during which time he tried several high-profile cases including the 1969 Kavanaugh murder case and the 1970 Newark, NJ and 1971 Jersey City political corruption cases. He was also involved in the Ruben “Hurricane” Carter murder case in which, for a time, he served as the defense attorney for co-defendant John Artis. During this period of his career, newspapers reporting on his trials often referred to him as a “Prominent Newark Attorney John W. Noonan.”

In the final chapter of his illustrious career, in 1997, he was appointed by President William J. Clinton as a United States Administrative Law Judge in the Federal Department of Social Security Administration.

Throughout much of his adult life, he was a member of the Honor Guard of St. Patrick of NJ and one of the longest serving members of the University Glee Club of NYC. He also mentored Veterans in Collier County Florida. Jack truly loved all people, and had a positive impact on every life he touched. He was noted for his great sense of humor, and was always the life of the party. Jack was a 40-year member, and sponsor of AA, helping many throughout the years.

In addition to his devoted wife Eileen, Judge Noonan leaves behind his four step-children; Patricia Babcock (Tim), Jacquelyn Kennedy-Baskin (Martin), Nancy Felter (Frank) and George Lutz (Janice). He is also survived by his six children from his first marriage; Joanne Newton (Michael), Jack (Kathy), Dennis Noonan-Sloan (Jim), Katie Buchholz (Bob), Mary Ellen, and Deirdre Bowditch, as well as 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Family will receive guests on Friday, January 8th from 4-8pm at Michael J Higgins Funeral Home, 321 South Main St. New City, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Saturday, January 9th at St. Francis of Assisi, 128 Parrott Rd. West Nyack, NY. Interment to follow at Fred Loescher Veterans Cemetery, Spring Valley, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project of Collier County (wwcolliercounty.org) or a charity of the donor’s choice.