Miss you every day Noah. Hope your new friends in heaven know what a gem they’ve been given.

I had to contact Andrew and Ray today so we could virtually’ raise a glass to toast our dear friend who left us much too soon.  Such a kind, generous and funny man.  Think of you often.  Miss your smiling face and snappy comebacks.  Heaven got a real prize when the gates opened for you. 

Two years gone… but never forgotten. You were a man of integrity, generosity, compassion, and kindness. God keep your soul, and God bless your family. Miss you, Noah. 

This photo of Noah is the last one I took. His eyes are telling me to “hurry up I have to go to work!” He loved having a job. But on a day like today he would be outside smoking meat for friends. There are still mustard greens and asparagus growing in the garden that he planted. He wanted a little vineyard back there too. I miss the way he loved life. I wish that love could have held his heart and made it whole. I think of him healing even now. 💜

Noah came to us at nine days old.  He worked hard to manage his identity as a Black man in an adopted  family. We were in Harlem once and the guys at the barbershop questioned his (colorado? white?) accent and he quickly told them he was from Philadelphia! We named him Noah because he was so quiet those first weeks. As you all know that was not true for the rest of his life, thankfully he was the one who lit up the room with stories. We borrowed an African tradition to give him another name on his first birthday; "one who comes bringing joy". That was true for his whole life! He was passionate and curious. He lived life with all his energy and love. He played all the sports; did his science projects the night before, thrived in school (sometimes) and with neighborhood friends. He was loyal without a question.  He was a helper; the one who drove friends home, cleaned up the messes, planned the prom party, took care of sick or hurt friends. He cared deeply for you all. Thank you for being there for him when he was struggling. Your love for him helped him be the lovely man he was in the end. 

Noah. I tried. I really did. I didn't want thanks. I did anything I did speaking with you, for YOU. We were family. You called me UNC...Even though I wasn't really your Uncle!  I enjoyed talking about what you've been doing. Talking Football. You hated it when I congratulated you on the Broncos winning the Super Bowl. You said "It's not your team!" That was you. You got abrasive sometimes to me for the wrong reason. But I always could soften you up. We laughed. Mostly about the sports teams I root for. Oh you' d be having fun with my Jets right about now! But...I asked you if everything was okay the late August night we spoke. The last time we ever spoke. Right before you disappeared. You promised me it was " All good. " you said. " Don' t worry about me Unc. It's all good. It's all good. Love you Unc." Love you too I said.  Godspeed. Wherever you are having fun Noah. Godspeed. ❤

The time Noah and I shared meant a lot to me. We didn't remain close during these later years, but that shared coming-of-age bond never wavered. 
We were young and dumb and full of far distant horizons. It's crushing to not have reconnected. He should have known how much he was appreciated by friends and family, how much he influenced me, changed me, bettered me.
Noah help generate a lot of smiles during his time on earth. Lots of laughs, lots of absurdity, lots of Lil' Jodi stories. I take solace in knowing his wonderful memories will generate a lot more smiles to come for the remainder of our lives.
Rest Easy Brother.

Noah was an amazingly kind soul. I've had the privileged of knowing him over the last 8 years.  He was a member of our gaming community, and quickly became friends with all of us. He was a great friend, and full of life. We all love you Noah.

OBITUARY

Noah Martin Mantione

January 12, 1990 – September 6, 2019

Howe Mortuary & Crematory

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Service arrangements are pending