Charles Noll

Captain Charles F. Noll, USN-Ret, passed away October 20, 2020.

He was born in College Point, New York, April 4, 1934. Charlie leaves behind his wife of 62 years, former Sheila Loughlin Smith, and children Charles Jr. (Janet), Kathryn Bell, Elizabeth “Betsy” Looney (John), Thomas (Nicola), Jeannie Noll and grandchildren Madeline Noll, Tobin Bell and Parker Bell, LT Reed Looney USN, Colleen Looney, and Colin Looney, Natalie Noll and Stephanie Noll.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1957, Charlie’s military service began aboard the USS Leary. Following submarine school, he served on the USS Atule (SS-403), USS Toro (SS-422), USS Trigger (SS-564), and USS Harder (SS-568) in various ascending ranks before commanding the USS Darter (SS-576) in San Diego. He was awarded the Navy’s Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal (2) for his service to his country.

These years in the Navy took him and his growing family from Mystic, CT, to Key West, FL, to New London, CT, to Monterey, CA, to Charleston, SC, to Falls Church, VA and then to San Diego where he commanded the USS Darter (SS-576) in San Diego. He attended the Monterey Naval Post Graduate school and earned an advanced degree in Communications. Additionally, he received a master’s degree in National Security from George Washington University. After a tour at the Pentagon, Charlie was assigned to Norfolk, VA and then to Rota, Spain where he commanded the Naval Communications Station. Following his tour in Rota, Charlie was Commanding Officer of the Naval Communications Area Master Station-Atlantic in Norfolk, VA. After a stellar 30-year career in the Navy, Charlie retired in 1987 and transitioned into civilian life. He began his second career with Computer Sciences Corporation as a program manager responsible for multi-million-dollar contracts including overseeing the Cray supercomputers in Palo Alto, CA and another contract at NASA Langley, VA.

Charlie was an avid supporter of Sheila’s political career and often spent evenings driving around the county to ensure that her reelection signs were just right. He supported Sheila in all of her efforts and campaigns. Charlie actively served on the Electoral Board for York County and spent many hours volunteering his time to the Kiln Creek Homeowners Association. He was instrumental in revitalizing the Kiln Creek Golf Resort and held leadership positions in the Navy League and Ruritans. You could often find him supporting the Ruritans on the weekends selling barbeque.

Although the Navy took him all around the world, he still loved to travel. He and Sheila traveled extensively including trips to the Galapagos Islands, three African safaris, the Great Wall of China and cruises down the rivers of Europe.

The one thing he loved most was his family. Charlie was a wonderful father, grandfather, a devoted husband, and everyone’s biggest fan. He and Sheila created an environment where all are welcomed and loved. As the family grew, they bought a second home in Sandbridge where their entire family could celebrate holidays and gatherings throughout the year under one roof. Charlie and Sheila provided a home at the beach where happy memories will be cherished forever.

He was strong in his faith, smart, kind, giving, fun, and humble among many other great attributes. He never had an unkind word to say about anyone. He was an exemplary role model as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and Patriot. Charlie made a difference in so many lives, and he will be forever missed.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm Friday, October 23 at Amory Funeral Home in Grafton. Mass of the Resurrection will be held Saturday, October 24 at 3:00 pm at the Bethel Chapel, Langley Air Force Base Housing. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will be at a later date. Full obituary may be found at armoryfuneralhome.com.