Obituary of Noel Whiteley

Noel Michael Whiteley, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 11, 2013. Noel was born in Poughkeepsie on December 27, 1952, the third son of Virginia O'Dell Whiteley and Franklin Whiteley. Noel spent his early years in Poughkeepsie but had lived most of his life in Hyde Park. He was a 1972 graduate of Franklin D. Roosevelt High School. His brothers Mark Whiteley of Oregon and Loren Whiteley of New Jersey survive him. His parents predeceased him as did his brother Christopher Whiteley in 2012. Noel developed an inner source of strength at an early age and was resourceful in overcoming life's obstacles and challenges. This quiet and enduring strength became an indelible part of his character that his family came to depend upon. Noel was employed for many years as a tinsmith for Western Publishing. When their Poughkeepsie plant closed, he worked for IBM, Pawling Savings Bank, and for the past 15 years he was employed as the maintenance supervisor for Mike Arteaga's Health and Fitness Centers. Noel had numerous and diverse talents and interests. He was a collector of vintage glass and antiques, an experienced fisherman, accomplished gardener, a natural "Mr. Fix It," an avid New York Yankee fan, and self-taught drummer. He appreciated music and enjoyed listening to Louis Prima and "Big Band" era songs. Noel was at home on the water. He loved the peace of Candlewood Lake in Connecticut and spent many happy summers on Long Beach Island, New Jersey with his family. Noel enjoyed a glass of scotch, was a great cook and especially enjoyed barbequing. Throughout his life, Noel participated in many sports, including softball, bowling and competitive swimming. He diligently trained for and competed in the 2007 Empire State Games, earning gold, silver and bronze medals in several swimming events in his age group. Paramount in Noel's life was his family. Noel and Virginia "Ginger" Houghtaling met in 1968 when Ginger was 14 and he was 16. They were married at St. Mary's Church in Poughkeepsie, July 17, 1976. The foundation of Noel's life was the love he and Ginger shared for over 45 years. Noel was a proud father to Nicholas and Daniel. Noel's steadfast example taught Nicky and Danny how a man acts as a husband, a father and a friend. He adored his grandchildren Dominick and Jonathan. In addition to his wife, sons and grandsons, Noel is survived by Nick's wife Sharon Nichols Whiteley and Dan's wife Danielle Mollica Whiteley, both of whom he loved and treasured. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and Ginger's sisters: Chris and her partner Noreen Ringwood; Maureen "Mo" Houghtaling; Diane Houghtaling; Rose Farrell and her husband Tom; Susan Morano and her husband Anthony; and Ginger's brother Bill Houghtaling and his wife Anne Dexter. Noel was our beloved brother. Noel Whiteley had a huge and tender heart. He felt deeply and cared deeply about his immediate and extended family, his friends and his work. Noel took life to heart and suffered heart ache in silence. Memories of Noel will center around his strong, supportive, kind and compassionate heart and the enduring love and friendship he gave us. May God bless you and keep you, dear Noel. May you rest in peace. Calling hours will be Sunday September 15, 2013 from 2pm to 6pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, New York 12603. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30am Monday September 16, 2013 at St. Mary's Church Poughkeepsie, New York. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.