Obituary of John William Noble

John William Noble, age 81, of St. Petersburg, Florida, was called to heaven on April 10, 2024. Born in Homestead, Pennsylvania, John was the son of Ora Chamberlin Noble and James King Noble, a Scottish immigrant. Known for his adventurous nature from an early age, John was always on the go and creatively living life to the fullest. This inventive, courageous way of being carried through in all phases of his life.

At Munhall High School, John dated and ultimately married his high school sweetheart, Dolores Pope. John and Dolores were blessed with three children, John, Michael and Kristi setting forth only the beginning of their adventurous life together. For John, a book about sailing ignited a newfound passion for the sea which brought the young couple to move their family from Pennsylvania to Florida to fulfill the dream to learn how to sail and to broaden their scope of career opportunities. A lifetime of sailboats and adventures at sea ensued.

As the first generation in his family to attend college, John became an accounting major because his brother, Jim, who was a forest ranger, thought accounting might be a good way to make money. However, the brothers failed to incorporate that John was a very outgoing, humorous, engaging people-person and although he did well in his early career as a Certified Public Accountant, John’s gregarious personality would require more human interaction than ten-key and number crunching would allow. With an ingrained entrepreneurial spirit, John combined his love for people and his success as a CPA to purchase a franchised business called Robert Half Personnel Agency specializing in placing Accountants and Data Processors. The early days, with John as the only placement agent and Dolores temporarily supporting as the receptionist, paid off. He went on to create a thriving business that culminated in owning seven successful branches throughout the southeast region of the United States.

As the business prosperity grew, so did John’s desire to support and share with others. He was an active member and officer of the Kiwanis Club of Tampa, a lay leader and Sunday school teacher at church, a donor, volunteer, and little league football coach for the Riviera Junior Raiders. “Coach Noble”, as he’s still fondly referred to by many of the now 50+ year old “kids”, inspired young people with life skills beyond what was needed on the field. Throughout his life, John eagerly shared his time, energy, wisdom and even his Morgan Out Island 41’ sailboat, Nobility, for the betterment and enjoyment of other people’s lives.

John’s favorite adventure in life occurred when he became Pappap. He had a special connection and personal bond with his daughter-in-law, Dr. Anjali Noble, and each of his five grandchildren, Lillian, Alexandra, Michael, Ian and Luke. He adamantly supported their unique qualities, individuality, and varying passions just like he did with his own children. Pappap’s joyous spirit brought consistent laughter and love to the simplest family dinner and to the countless amazing trips shared all over the world.

There will be a service to honor this life well lived at Riviera United Methodist Church, 175 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, Florida, on Saturday, April 27 starting with a viewing from 12pm to 1pm. The 1pm service is followed by immediate procession to Sunnyside Cemetery for a brief graveside ceremony for all to attend. Livestream services are available for anyone unable to attend in person.

John is survived by his children, John and his wife Anjali, Michael and the love of his life Heidi Putnam, and Kristi; his grandchildren, Lillian and boyfriend Michael, Michael and his wife Lexi, Alexandra, Ian and Luke; his sister, Jeanie and Dave Woncheck, sister- in- law, Patricia and Jake Jacobs; and nieces and nephews, Jim and Rhonda Noble, Sharon and Randy Harrison, Jason and Grace Jacobs, Jeff Jacobs, Jim Jacobs and Alison McCalla, David and Stacey Woncheck, Matt and Chelsie Woncheck.

In lieu of flowers, the Noble family requests donations be made to Riviera United Methodist Church, which supports many local charities, at the link below.

Riviera UMC Donations - https://rivieraumc.breezechms.com/give/online