Marlborough – John G. Noble, 91, died Wednesday, April 16, 2014 after a long period of failing health. He was the husband of the late Claire (Jacques) Noble, who died in 2010.
He was born in Marlborough, the son of the late Harry W. and Mary J. (Gaynor) Noble, and lived in the city all of his life.
John was a United States Army veteran of WWII, reaching the rank of Corporal.? His unit was involved in the Battle of the Bulge and he received the Purple Heart for injuries suffered in the battle. He was a longtime member of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, a charter member of the Salvatore Padula Chapter 82 of the Disabled American Veterans, and longtime member of the Colleary Post 638 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was the owner operator of Concannon's Stationery and Office Supply store on Main Street in Marlborough. He served as president of the Marlborough Merchants Association for 15 years, and was named Small Businessman of the Year in 1986.
John was a longtime member of the Marlborough Rotary Club, where he was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow for his many contributions to the club. He, along with his wife, produced the annual Rotary Club variety show, which were very popular in the community. He and his wife were also longtime members of the Immaculate Conception Church, and he served as an usher for many years.
John was member of the Board of Directors of the Hillside School in Marlborough and the Board of Directors of the Marlborough Hospital. He served as Vice President of the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce. For many years, he served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Marlborough Savings Bank.
He received numerous awards and distinctions over the years, including the Senior of the Year award in 2012 and being chosen, along with his wife, as the grand marshals of the Marlborough Labor Day Parade in 2006. He was also honored by the Greater Marlborough Symphony for his longtime support.
He was also a longtime member of the Marlborough Historical Society, the Marlborough Historical Commission, and Olde Marlborough Inc.
He is survived by one son, John Noble Jr. of Maine; two daughters, Janet Noble of Marlborough and Ellen Elsasser and her husband Bob of Marlborough; two grandsons, Christopher and Paul Elsasser; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass will be held Monday, April 28, at 9 a.m., in the Immaculate Conception Church, 11 Prospect St., Marlborough. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Visiting hours are Sunday, April 27, from 2 – 5 p.m., at the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home (www.shortfuneral.com), 95 West Main St., Marlborough.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.
Read more about his life and legacy at http://communityadvocate.com/2013/04/24/1424.
