Northampton, MA – William ( Bill, Sharkie) Parrish Noel 87 passed away from this earth on December 31, 2025. He was born in Knoxville, Tennessee to William Boone Noel and Nan Ruth Noel.
The family lived in Tennessee and then moved to Georgia. Graduating from the Georgia institute of Technology in 1960, Bill enlisted in the Air Force and married. After the Air Force, he earned his MBA at the University of North Carolina. Employed in the banking and clothing industries, he was transferred to New York City in 1968.
Bill enjoyed photography and several of his photos were used to illustrate a book on New York, but his real joy was running, swimming and biking. He ran his first marathon in 1977 and as a certified official with the Atlantic Congress, he officiated at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and numerous track meets in and around New York City. In the 80’s he got the triathlon bug and competed in a four man relay from London to Paris in 1984. At 50 he qualified and competed in the 1988 Ironman in Hawaii.
Bill met Peggy in 1987 at a masters swim workout at City College, New York City They married in 1990 and spent their early years honing their skills in the physical activities they both loved.
They also loved to travel and enjoyed many adventures throughout the world. Bill’s most exciting adventures were bungee jumping and competing in the Olympic distance triathlon at the World Championships in New Zealand. His most memorable event was driving a race car in The Richard Petty experience in Las Vegas. They both enjoyed many family vacations.
He and Peggy moved to Northampton in 2000. Bill and Peggy were able to enjoy winters in St. Petersburg, Florida for several years. Bill loved meeting people and in Florida would sit on the balcony and talk with people walking through the alley. In Northampton when Bill was able he would walk or ride his tricycle through the neighborhood. In later years he would sit in the driveway and visit with neighbors.
Bill will be missed by his beloved wife Peggy Lucey, daughter Anna Noel Mayberry and husband, Dave Mayberry grandson, William Noel Mayberry and former wife, Andrea Noel, extended family and many friends.
As a man for all seasons, Bill lived the good life.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his younger sister , Nan Noel Ivy.
There will be a memorial service and celebration of life in mid May.
In lieu of flowers donations; may be made in Bill’s name to the Survival Center, Habitat for Humanity or a non profit of your choice.
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes