FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Rev. David Noone, a dedicated and compassionate Catholic priest whose ministry touched lives around the world, passed away on June 15, 2025. He was 83.
Born May 20, 1942, in Gloversville, New York, to John and Frances Noone, David was formed by a family grounded in faith, humor, and resilience. Those values would sustain and guide him throughout his life, and were reflected in the gentle wit and spiritual insight that made him beloved by so many.
He often credited his early admiration for a parish priest with sparking his own calling to the vocation—a call he answered with unwavering commitment.
He was ordained on December 17, 1966, at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, a moment he considered both humbling and transformative. Over nearly six decades of ministry, Fr. David served in countless capacities: as a parish priest, hospital chaplain, and campus minister—both in the U.S. and abroad.
He also played a major role in building and supporting a secondary school in Haiti, where his passion for education and justice found meaningful expression. Later in life, he partnered with Unbound, a nonprofit that empowers children and elders living in poverty.
Through Unbound, Fr. David traveled the country making parish appeals on behalf of projects in 17 countries, continuing his service well into retirement. His ministry was always marked by compassion, humor, and a deep understanding of human nature.
He had a gift for writing and delivering homilies that were both thoughtful and personal, rooted in theology but rich with storytelling. Whether in a hospital room, at the altar, or across a dinner table, he brought grace and humility to every encounter.
Outside his clerical duties, Fr. David had an adventurous spirit. He loved skiing in winter, tennis in the summer, and was a lover of music and travel. He explored much of Europe, journeyed through Russia, China, Thailand, and Japan, and took six memorable trips to New Zealand—a country he admired deeply for its natural beauty and peaceful spirit. He believed life was meant to be lived fully and faithfully, and he did just that.
In his own words, shared before his death, Fr. David reflected on his life with deep gratitude: “I entered the seminary because I believed God was calling me to the priesthood—that it was His plan for my life. I still believe that.
But with the wisdom of years, I’ve come to understand that ministry isn’t simply what a priest does; it’s what God does for others through him—and for him through others.” That philosophy defined the heart of his vocation.
He was especially grateful for the friendships he made along the way, and gave particular thanks to Hideki Morooka, whose companionship enriched his later years. Fr. David’s life was a testament to the belief that love, grace, and service could be expressed in both grand gestures and simple moments of presence.
As he wrote, “I hope I’ve left behind more love than regret, more laughter than tears, and more faith than doubt.” Without question, he did.
Rev. David Noone is now reunited with his parents and with a brother he never met, who passed before David was born—a reunion he looked forward to with peace in his heart. He leaves behind many who were blessed by his presence, and countless others who will continue to be touched by the legacy of his ministry.
Funeral Masses will be celebrated at St. Ann Catholic Church in Fayetteville, N.C., on Tuesday, June 24, at 6 p.m., and at Christ Our Light Catholic Church in Loudonville, N.Y., on Friday, June 27, at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Fr. David’s memory are encouraged to notice grace at work in their own lives, show kindness to others, and say a prayer that he made it safely home.
