Noel Philip Martin
elevated h9pgE December 10, 1936 – August 1, 2025
elevated h9pgE Obituary
elevated h9pgE Requiescat in Pace
elevated h9pgE Noel Philip Martin
elevated h9pgE 1936- 2025
elevated h9pgE Loved beyond words.
Missed beyond measure.
elevated h9pgE Noel was born in Dublin, Republic of Ireland and raised in Woodfield House, County Roscommon, Ireland . He was the first born of Annie and Michael Martin. Devoted brother to Kilian, Fred and Aidan with whom he shared a storied childhood and lasting friendship into adulthood .
elevated h9pgE He was beloved husband of Joan Daly Martin for 46 years and cherished Dad to his son, Timothy Michael ( Candice Bairstow). Noel was more than delighted to be Grandad to Liam Aaron Martin.
elevated h9pgE At his core Noel was both consummate Irishman and proud Canadian. He lived a brilliant life as a scholar, Spiritan priest, Catholic Educator, Husband, Dad, Granddad, Brother, Uncle, friend and colleague.
elevated h9pgE Noel’s eloquent life was wired for success. His professional accomplishments and awards marked his exemplary commitment to Catholic Education in the Province of Ontario for over 40 years. His professional credibility was evidenced as a TCDSB Secondary School Teacher, Department Head, Vice Principal, Athletic Director, Band Conductor, Principal, Superintendent of Education, and Director of Education. Well past official retirement, Noel continued to serve the Catholic Education community at Ontario Catholic School Trustees Association, as Director of Catholic Education. He was professionally motivated by the values and goals of an education system rooted in faith and grounded in Gospel values.
elevated h9pgE Noel loved everything Irish: history, poetry, Gaelic Football (GAA) Rugby, music, and a pint of Guinness shared with his son! Throughout his life, Noel carried within him verses upon verses of memorized poetry, in English, Irish and Latin. There were always lines of Shakespeare and his beloved WB Yeats to aptly fit any situation, celebration or bureaucratic annoyance. Poetry and music gave him peace and inspiration and connected him to “Home” in times of struggle.
elevated h9pgE Everything culinary made Noel very happy. He proudly claimed a serious case of topophilia, whenever he found himself in the meat department, at the fresh seafood counter or the produce aisles of Fortino’s. He derived equal joy from both food preparation and consumption! Family and friends gathered at our table often heard his nearly prayerful mantra: “No prize for finishing first!”
elevated h9pgE Our lives are nourished because he lived and loved us. Now, he is free, in the words of W.B Yeats, to “… arise and go now, and go to Inisfree…”
elevated h9pgE Cremation and private family interment have taken place. In lieu of flowers memorial donations, in Noel’s name, the Angel Foundation for Learning Student Nutrition Program-http://angelfoundationforlearning.org, at the Toronto Catholic District School Board, would be gratefully appreciated. Condolences and memories may be left at www.catholic-cemeteries.com.
elevated h9pgE Gratitude goes to those staff who, despite a broken Long Term Care system, compassionately cared for Noel as best they could during his illness. They were frequently stressed and stretched while trying to provide care within a bureaucratic culture, which too often lost sight of the person, in favour of policies, procedures and regulations. To those who supported us, a heartfelt “Thank you”.
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Joan I was so sorry to hear of the death of your beloved Noel . I only met him once when you were here in Ireland and you came to us for dinner – but once was enough to know he was a kind intelligent humorous and interesting man – and definitely proud of his Irish roots . Ar she’s De go raibh an n-anam. Kerri
Dear Joan
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your husband Noel. I had the honour of working with him at Don Bosco Secondary School.
He was a truly remarkable man. He always had a smile on his face and treated everyone with respect and kindness.
May your memories of him help you during this difficult time
Keeping your family in my prayers.
Sincerely
Maria Galati
Dear Joan,
I was so deeply saddened to hear of your Noel’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time, and I hope you find comfort in the love and support that surrounds you.
With sympathy,
Lilian Compagnone
Deepest sympathy to Joan, Timothy and family. Only fond memories of my many years spent with Noel at Don Bosco S. S. A very fine man indeed! May he rest in peace and perpetual light shine forever upon him.
Dominic Raso
Dearest Joan my heart goes out to you and I pray you will find strength to get you through this terrible time and that God will comfort you in your great loss and grief. God bless you and your family.
Mr. Martin was our incredible principal at Don Bosco and later was instrumental in helping me start my career in teaching. He was a larger than life presence, and we always knew order would be followed in the school, yet he was loved by everyone. His booming voice could be heard from one end of school to the other. Oh, he was such a great man! Part of my wonderful memories of high school. Thank you, Mr. Martin, for being such a great influence on so many lives!
Noel was a gentleman and true scholar. “ Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis”.( “ May his loyal and noble soul be at God’s right-hand side”.A translation from Gaelic).
Dear Joan and family,
What a beautiful tribute for such an extraordinary man. Joan, yours and Noel’s devotion to each other was palpable, and I can only imagine what you must be feeling. Sending you my deepest condolences, and a prayer for strength as you navigate life without your beloved Noel. May he rest in the arms of the angels and may his memory be eternal.
Love,
Gina
I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Mr. Martin was my principal at time at Don Bosco. He was a sweet man who always made his presence known. He cared for everyone at the school and respected them. We gave him the same respect.
He was a good man and May his memory be eternal.
The BEST memories of 5 years of Latin in Mr. Martin’s class. Whether teaching, grading, or listening to us, his wit and sense of humour always left us smiling. He didn’t shy away from talking to us about any non academic concerns we brought up. He was private about his personal life but his joy at the birth of his son was shared, as were a couple of pictures. Condolences to his wife, son Timothy, and the rest of his family. So glad he experienced the joy of being a grandfather. A Good man.
Joan, thinking of you, Timothy, and family. So many memories to sustain and comfort you….
So sorry to hear of your loss. Noel was a joyful inspiration to me. He was truly spiritually grounded in his ministry in Catholic Education.
Sending my sincere and heartfelt condolences to Joan and the rest of Noel’s family. I have very fond memories of working with Noel. He was a great, wise, and gentle man. I will especially remember our conversations, and the staff socials which took place at their beautiful home. May Noel rest in eternal peace.
Sorry for your loss. This makes me sad. I was a student at Don Bosco 1984 to 1989. Mr. Martin was a great guy. He cut me so many breaks and I was a handful. As I grew older I appreciated him for his discipline and empathy. Sending peace to everyone.
Mr. Noel Martin was my principal and Latin teacher, but above that he was an amazing human being. He always treated us like his own with guidance, support and understanding. His sense of humour combined with his big booming voice gained him a special place in the hearts of the Bosco students. I have so much respect for him as he really was one of my favourite people and a huge influence in my high school years. My condolences to Joan, Timothy and the whole family. He truly did leave a legacy on all of us whose lives he touched. Rest in peace Sir.
May Noel’s gentle soul, rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to you Joan, Timothy, Candice and Liam.
Mr. Martin, was a larger than life man, he was a gentle giant. Firm, yet fair. His strong voice, when yelling Mr. Colak instilled fear in me as a youth. But, of the many times summoned to his office, trembling in fear. He always talked to me with compassion and kindness. He understood the challenges of youth and rebellion and always had words of wisdom. I always left his office smiling. God Bless the family in these turbulent times. Will never forget the legend Mr. Martin.
Joan – Noel played such an important part of my youth. Not only did he perform my First Communion in the beauty of our 70s living room, but also was the first person I knew who slept to noon on weekends. (It was during his days teaching at the high school, so I’m sure he needed all the rest he could get. But either way, I thought it was just another way he was a cool adult.)
He is missed and will be remembered for his kindness and wit.
So much love to you and Timothy. Speak soon. Xx
“The grief of our loss may be with us for a long time, but the joy of our memories will stay forever.”
My deepest condolences to the entire family and Catholic community.
Richard Vendrig
Joan – sincerest sympathy and prayerful support to you and your family. I will always be grateful for Noel’s support and encouragement at Toronto Catholic as well as the many times we shared food and laughter. May his noble soul rest in peace.
Dear Joan, I enjoyed every encounter with Noel. His wisdom was well-matched by his humour and warmth. A life well-lived, a race well-run.
Joan, my first encounter with Noel is forever etched on my mind. He spoke confidently and profoundly of his faith and of his commitment to Catholic Education. His contributions in life will not be forgotten. My prayers are filled with gratitude for having encountered him throughout my career in Catholic Education and for you, Timothy and his family as you grieve.
Dear Joan,
We had the pleasure of working with Noel as our Superintendent while new teachers at Monsignor Johnson in the early 90s. Througnout the years, Noel continued to impact our lives as we encountered him at various TCDSB events where he would inspire us with his passionate story telling.
We offer you and your family our deepest condolences and we will keep you in our prayers as you embrace this difficult time.
May God bless you.
Gina and Fernando Marrello
Joan, my sincerest condolences for your loss… my encounter with your husband were brief but memorable… may his soul rest in peace… may God’s Grace continue to be with you and all of his loved ones…
My heartfelt condolences to Joan and family. Noel was a great teacher, mentor and leader. A true “giant” in Catholic education!
To Joan and family
Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember, celebrate and thank God for the great life lived by Noel and his many wonderful and meaningful contributions towards the betterment of society and in a particular and significant way Catholic Education.
We are often told that only that which we have wrought into our character in life can we take away with us in death. Good character represented by good people like Noelis human nature in its best form and what God created us all to be; authentic, reliable, caring, giving, loving, hospitable and faithful. Noel was all of these and more and carried out with determination and meaningful what he felt called to do in life. Like St. Paul he can surely say. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. We may all say “ Well done good and faithful servant “.
May Noel rest in eternal peace and his memory a blessing.
Tom O’Leary, Markham, On.
Joan, Timothy and Family
I met Noel when he conducted me in band when I was in Grade 9. Later he was my Superintendent at the Board when I started teaching.
He was an amazing mentor to me and I am forever grateful for all his support. He was an inspirational Catholic Leader.
He had a profound impact not just on me and my career or the TCDSB but on Catholic Education in the province.
I have always felt truly blessed to have had him with me in my educational journey as student and as educator.
Noel is one of the giants on whose shoulders we have all stood – so that we might see further.
Rest in peace Noel P! Thank you for everything!
Joan,Timothy and family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you mourn his loss and celebrate his life. His love for all of you was evident in all he did. May you be comforted by all the wonderful memories you have created with Noel.
I was happy whenever Noel addressed us at a staff meeting at Fr. Henry Carr. He was very down to earth, but never failed to inspire me with his sense of humour and his commitment to the Catholic education system. Despite the tediousness of school bureaucracy, he was unfailingly positive. My condolences to you, Joan (also an inspiration!) and to your family. May Noel rest in peace.
Sal Badali
My condolences on the death of Noel. He was a great human being and I thoroughly enjoyed our long standing relationship at TCDSB. My prayers are with you, Joan, and all who loved him.
Sr Evanne Hunter IBVM
Joan, Noel and you were truly an inspiration as a dedicated Catholic couple and model educators. I fondly remember Noel when addressed our Neil students particularly at our graduations and at many TCDSB events. He always struck a personal chord.
Dear Joan and family,
May Noel be welcomed by his God just as he always warmly welcomed those he met on his journey. Heartfelt condolences from Tom, Maya, Raina and myself.
May his brilliant love, humour and compassion swirl around you in the days to come and live in your heart forever.
Dear Joan, my condolences for your loss. I first met Noel shortly after I was hired at Henry Carr in 1987 by his good and long time friend Nick Nolan. It was at a chaplains’ event. I was very impressed that like you, Joan, he was deeply committed to Catholic education, young people and their teachers. Noel had a positive and enthusiastic nature. which radiated and let those he came in contact with feel good about themselves, energized and optimistic about the situation. After his official retirement, Noel helped with a Grade 12 Retreat at Carr. Once again I saw his deep respect for young people and his willingness to listen to them and honour the good in them.. We will pray for Noel, you and your family.
I was blessed with many wonderful teachers and mentors in my life but none that made me feel more capable than Noel. After all is said and done, isn’t that the quality that most identifies the heart of a true educator? Rest in peace, dear Noel.
My deepest condolences to Joan, Timothy, and the rest of the family. Noel was such a kind man and someone I deeply admired. His impact will live on in so many ways but especially at the TCDDB
Dear Joan and Timothy and all of the family. I was so sorry to hear of Noel’s passing. As you know Noel was a part of the Dooley family growing up. We had many many fun times together from dancing, singing, playing cards and just chatting. I have always admired Noel for the person he was such a gentle soul and a calming presence. I know you will all miss him so much but I also know that you have many wonderful memories that will help in the days and years ahead. My deepest condolences to all of you, love Carmel Jeffery (nee DOOLEY).
Sincere Condolences to you Joan, and your family.
Noel will always be remembered and considered one of the giants in Catholic education at the TCDSB.
Dear Joan and Family,
When Fintan and I first came to Canada from New York, Noel and Nicky Nolan were warmly welcoming friends, a source of delightful support. Only our strong belief that we shall be together again can bring us comfort at this time, –that, and the joy of seeing his son and grandson grow into the men he would be so proud of. My prayers in abundance for you all in these painful times.
What a wonderful human being – kind and joyful with a delicious sense of humour! He could also take a joke or prank with grace!!
He will be missed, I know.
You are all in my prayers
Dear Joan and family’
It was always such a blessing to be in Noel’s presence
He embodied a genuine interest and caring for all he encountered in whatever position he served. His commitment and dedication to Catholic Education was a paramount feature of.,
his life. Joan , may you be comforted by the memories of your life with Noel and may the Lord bless youand your family with peace in the coming days! Always remember Joan Noel was the person he was in great measure because you are who you are.
Sincerest sympathies to Joan and Timothy on the sad passing of a fabulous man who you were blessed to call husband and Dad. I have such fond memories of Noel from childhood. He was an absolute gentleman. Thinking of you and all your family at this difficult time. As the Irish say, Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Sending you big hugs and love from Limerick.
Karyn Bowles
Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
Sincere sympathy, Joan and family, on the passing of your beloved Noel! May he rest in peace and may your wonderful memories be a source of comfort and blessing at this time of sadness.
To paraphrase his favourite poet, Noel contributed to the “sensual music” of our lives, while also being a “monument of unageing intellect.” Most grateful for each and every splendid interaction I had with him.
Dearest Joan, Timothy, and family,
Sincere condolences to you all. I remember meeting Noel when he presented at one of the TCDSB Leadership Discernment sessions. Grateful to have witnessed his humour, warmth, and leadership. I will keep you all in my prayers during this difficult time.
Joan, I am a better person for having had Noel in my life as both a mentor and advocate in my vocation. I am thankful for his kindness towards me. My deepest condolences to you and the entire family.