August 11, 1941 – August 13, 2026

J. Roger Noel, a beloved soul whose life was a rich testament to love, laughter, adventure, and music, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in Skowhegan, Maine, surrounded by the warmth and presence of family and friends.

Roger was born in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. His parents immigrated to the United States in 1957 and built their home in East Hartford, Connecticut. A man of many passions, Roger was a self-made business owner and carpet installer during his first career. He lived life with energetic enthusiasm for sports, playing recreational hockey until the age of 65 and coaching youth hockey and softball for many years in Connecticut. Later in life, Roger embraced his second career as a musician—a calling he pursued wholeheartedly. A true entertainer at heart, he used his musical gifts to bring joy to others, always making his family, friends, and community his highest priority.

Roger was predeceased by his parents, Alderic and Viola (Goguen) Noel; his brother and sister-in-law, Coral and Betty Noel; his brother, Al Noel; his sister, Eurelia; and his brother-in-law, Mike Cunningham.

Roger leaves behind a vast and loving family, including his devoted companion of 29 years, Nena Lilley of Skowhegan, Maine. The love, partnership, and deep devotion they shared for nearly three decades were endless and served as an anchor in his life. Together, they enjoyed a wonderful life traveling up and down the East Coast in their motor home, creating cherished memories from Connecticut to Florida to Maine.

He is also survived by his siblings: Neldy (Carol) Noel and Eloi (Yvonne) Noel, both of East Hartford, Connecticut; and sister-in-law Sally Noel of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. His legacy of love endures through his nine children, whose lives span coast to coast: Lisa Noel of Idaho; Joanne Zeiss (Christopher, Torrey, Rudy), Mary Noel (Emily, Nichole, Ty Raymond), and Sherry Noel (Haley and JD), all of California; Mandee and Dan Morris (Garrett, Wyatt, Clayton), Kim East, and Kevin Stomberg, all of Connecticut; Tonya Lilley of Florida; and Melody Bliss (Connie, Susan, Barbara) of Maine. Roger’s zest for life and spirit live on in his 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren across California, Connecticut, and Maine, and his many cherished nieces and nephews. Roger’s journey was a rich harmony of love, laughter, adventure, and music, leaving a lasting chord in the lives of everyone he touched.

In honor of Roger’s vibrant life, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. The family would like to thank the dedicated, compassionate hospice team at Andwell Health Partners, as well as the paramedics and healthcare providers at Redington-Fairview General Hospital.