Obituaries

Keith Eli Noakes, age 71, of Old Forge, passed away Friday evening at Penn Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia with his family by his side, following a ten month long illness. Surviving is his beloved wife, Patricia (Huber) Noakes. The couple celebrated its 32nd wedding anniversary on July 19th.
Born in Taylor on May 8, 1952 and son of the late Eli and Mildred “Peggy” (Simmons) Noakes, Keith was a graduate of Old Forge High School High School’s Class of 1970 where he was a football standout. Following graduation, Keith began his career in banking, a career that spanned over five decades. He was a pillar of the Old Forge community, working at Old Forge Bank, eventually retiring as the bank’s longtime loan officer. Keith’s dedication to his job went well beyond the scope of his required duties. His concern was helping people in need and for his entire life, that’s exactly what he did.
His volunteerism extended through his membership to the Acacia Lodge #579 F&AM of Taylor and he was also a longtime member of Saint Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Scranton.
Keith loved his sports. He was a lifelong supporter of the Old Forge Blue Devils and, from their inception, was one of the Seattle Seahawks’ biggest fans. Beyond all else came his family who meant the world to him.
To know Keith was to love him and he’ll certainly never be forgotten by family and countless friends.
Along with his wife, he is survived by his loving daughters whom he adored, Leighan Noakes of Old Forge and Brigid Matts and wife Megan of N.Y.; his dear sister, Faith Gretz and husband Ronald of Old Forge;
his niece, Kelsey Renzi and husband Matthew; great nieces, Adeline and Emerson Renzi; and nephew, Evan Gretz and wife Sarah.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday between 4 – 7:00 PM at Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge. Private burial will be at Cathedral Cemetery in West Scranton.
Memorial contributions may be made in Keith’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project c/o 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.