Condolences

• February 20, 2025

  Marie C. Der

  I met Noel at UMass Boston over 36 years ago: A superbly polite, respectful, and friendly gentleman. Then I found out that we shared more in common through living in Brockton and his super star athletic daughters. We crossed pathways again when Noel and Cynthia became a couple. What a joy since I also met Cynthia: a smart polite and superb student who became a colleague later. We will chat at university events and occasionally on their way to get lunch together. Our children were always part of our conversations. We all shared the love of the institution and the students it serves. I am profoundly saddened about Noel passing. I will miss him. My sympathies to the families. With all my affection, Marie Der Umass Boston

• February 15, 2025

  Jackie Cotterell-Russell

  Bro, you were such a loving and kind soul, always bringing light into every room with your amazing smile. Your stories were so real and full of life. I could listen to them forever. I will miss you more than words can say, but I will carry your love and laughter in my heart until we meet again. Love you always Bro.

• February 13, 2025

  Tracey L Hathaway

  To the family: Noel was one of the first people that welcomed me at UMB. His smile radiated the room. As time went on our friendship and connection grow. His commitment to young athletes and his dedication to UMB will truly be missed. My deepest sympathies to the Cotterell family. He will be missed.

• February 12, 2025

  Janice Williams Sinclair

  Condolences my dear sister Cynthia and family. Noel was a genuine, humble and lovely soul. He had a great sense of humor and always made us laugh. Chane and I were happy last summer to have shared vacation time with the family. We will miss him dearly! Precious memories!

• February 10, 2025

  Mark Schlesinger

  A lovely man. A fine student. A great colleague. It was always a great pleasure to encounter him on campus. May the memories of such a good man warm the hearts of his family.

• February 09, 2025

  Blossom and family

  My dearest friend Cynthia and family, I pray that God's continued blessings, strength, prosperity, uplifting spirit, and peace be with you all during this challenging and difficult time. 🙏🏽💐♥️

• February 08, 2025

  Michelle Laird

  Dear Cynthia, How heartbroken I am to hear of the loss of your precious husband. I was so sorry to have missed you both on your recent travels home, but quite delighted to have heard from you at the usual beginning of the year. There are no words that I can say to take away the pain you must be experiencing, except to say that I will stand with you from across the miles, and send you the prayers, encouragement, good thoughts and promises of better to come. Please know that my family and I will continue on in prayer for you and your precious family, that God will heal your hurt and your heart! What a day of rejoicing to look forward to! What a reunion morning that's soon to come.🙏🏾 With ♥️ and Prayers, Michelle Laird & Family

• February 08, 2025

  Blossom Bingham

  Cynthia and family, please accept my deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family 🙏🏽💐♥️

• February 07, 2025

  Tracyon Edwards

  Noel was a humble and sweet soul. Always telling a story to make us laugh. They were so believable that sometimes I had to check with my sister Cynthia if they were true. Sleep on my brother until we meet again. We will cherish the memories. Sis, kids, be strong, we love you guys. Knicole, mom and I are here if you need us. 💓 Tracyon

• February 07, 2025

  Joy Cotterell

  My heart aches as I remember my dear brother, Noel Cotterell. He was such an extraordinary storyteller—every word he spoke painted vivid pictures of our past. I fondly remember his animated tales about the Bebe's kids and the incredible stories of our father's days as a policeman in Jamaica, including that unforgettable moment when he arrested Bob Marley. Noel's stories were more than just entertainment; they were a living link to our family's heritage and so believable, I still don't know if these are true or not...lol. The way he spoke, his energy, and the enthusiasm on his face was so captivating, and he knew he had you held captive the more he spoke. The smile on his face said it all. He was the first to introduce me to grits and Sake, that unique Japanese drink, and those simple moments of sharing new tastes together are memories I hold dear. Noel's infectious smile and kind nature were constants in my life—I have never seen him without a smile. His warmth and kindness touched everyone around him. I admired him deeply; he was always smiling, and his warmth and kindness shone through every memory. Growing up, Noel was always behind the camera, capturing our family's most cherished moments. The home videos he made of our father dancing at family picnics and all of our family gatherings growing up have become treasured keepsakes. Known as Noel "Ice" Cotterell—a name so inspiring that his younger brothers adopted it too. The memory of him being in the newspaper he was a star athlete, then to becoming a great referee, and a role model whose legacy of excellence and joy continues to shine in our family. I know our parents were immensely proud of the man he became. I am deeply saddened by his untimely passing. I am grateful for every memory he created for me. Even though we didn't speak or see each other as often, knowing that I will no longer have a chance to create more of those moments again is incredibly painful. Noel was not only an inspiration to me as his sister but also a guiding light for everyone who knew him. I will forever cherish the shared laughter, the vivid stories, and the unwavering love he gave. I miss him terribly, and his memory will live on in every story, every smile, and every cherished moment we shared.

• February 07, 2025

  Luis Reis

  Really sad news. Noel was the man. He was always good to me, even when we competed against each other (when I coached the men at Bridgewater State), then years later when he refereed my women's college team games and then he was a big supporter of me when I went into refereeing. I can't say enough great things about the person, the man he was. He will be missed. My condolences to his family. - Luis Reis

• February 07, 2025

  Keith Lewis

  I was crushed to just learn of the passing of one of my best friends as an undergraduate at UMass-Boston, and later after he was hired by UMB and I worked in the Sports Information Department. Noel was one of the smartest students at UMB, and was a unique Beacon, one of the few to ever excel in two successful UMB sports, as the captain and basketball small forward, and as the captain and soccer goalie. I'll always remember Noel coaching our intramural hoops team of varsity coaches and me, Sports Editor of the Mass Media, and teaching me how to score on a running hook shot, his specialty. Noel was gracious, highly intelligent, fun and a great friend, especially to his soccer brothers. He brought high standards to whatever he did, and spread them to others. He beat back dsappointments and turned losses into wins, like the time he accidentally scored on himself after an on-field miscommunication, and simply said, "well, that's a first. I better make sure there's not a second." My condolences to his family and all the many friends dealing with the loss of a great person and friend.

• February 07, 2025

  Mimoza Papargjir

  Cynthia, I am incredibly saddened to hear about Noel's passing .He was a wonderful person .Rest in Peace.

• February 07, 2025

  Susan Brown

  My condolences to Noel's family and friends.

• February 07, 2025

  Jack Curtis

  You were a coach on and off the field. Always there to lend a helpful hand or word. You will forever be in our hearts, our minds and our prayers. Miss you Coach. Jack Curtis

• February 07, 2025

  Bill Curran

  Truly a wonderful person, and I am so sad to hear of Noel's passing. It always made me happy to see and talk to him. He was a gentleman to the core, and the finest customer I've ever had the pleasure to work with. "Cotterell".

• February 06, 2025

  Mustapha Coker

  To the family of my Big Brother, mentor, advisor, college recuiter and soccer coach at UMB from 1994 -1998, undergraduate class of 1998/99, my deepest sincerest sympathy. Coach Noel handed me my #10 jersey at UMB and told me to go and enjoy myself in the game. We won the game. When I tore my MCL and ACL during a game against the army/navy recriuts, he was by my side telling " coffee (Kofi), stop screaming, the boys will win the game for you". Coach brought me over to UMB from Mount Ada college to continue my academic pursuit and play soccer. When I completed as an undergruaduate, he was there to celebrate with me, when I got my masters, he was there to give me a big hug. When I received my Doctoral degree, he was there and said, " Coffee, I think you are the only one from the cohort who made PhD. I am grateful to be part of your journey, Congratulations" he said with genuine pride and a bear hug. I am very proud to say that he was the only American coach who coached me to play the beautiful game and he remained my only American coach that I have ever played for. Over the years, he went on to meet my wife and two children when they learned to swim, roller skate and ride bikes at the soccer field at UMB. I am devasted to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences from my family to Coach's wife, children and extended family. May Allah grant you Jannah, our beloved coach Noel and may Allah give peace and strength to your children, your wife and your extended family you left behind, durung these very difficult times. Thank you for the opportunity you gave me almost 30 years ago. I took full advantage. Forever, your #10 midfielder, (Coffee) Kofi Coker. Dr. Mustapha (Coffee) Kofi Coker, PhD.

• February 06, 2025

  Valerie and family

  To my dear friend Cynthia and family, My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. What a tremendous loss. No one was sweeter, kinder, or more devoted as a husband and father to you and your children. He fought a tough battle, and though it is heartbreaking to say goodbye, I hope you find comfort in knowing he is now free from pain and at peace. May he rest in heaven, and may you find strength and solace in the love that surrounds you. As always, I'm here for you.

• February 06, 2025

  Joseph Chavez

  Coach you will be missed. My deepest condolences to Noel's family, he was a wonderful person and a positive force in the soccer field. Joseph Chavez

• February 06, 2025

  Jeffrey Mitchell

  I worked next to Noel for 30 years at UMass Boston, and around a corner there for 12 more. He was quick-minded and capable, but that was only the beginning. He was also steady, thoughtful, principled, funny, warmhearted, and kind—a life-giving colleague and friend. My heart goes out to Cynthia and his children. What a sweet memory he leaves behind! Jeff Mitchell

• February 05, 2025

  Byron Iturbo

  My sincere condolences to His family, my prayers are with your. Byron Iturbo.

• February 05, 2025

  Martha Cobb-Kelly

  Sincere and deepest condolences to Noel's family. I had the pleasure of working with Noel at UMass Boston, besides procurement and contracting, working commencement was always very enjoyable. His sense of humor, guidance and leadership made those long days seems not as strenuous. He was very pleasant and always found a way to make people laugh with fantastic story telling which often made you wonder if they were true, but they made you laugh. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace dear friend.

• February 05, 2025

  Mona Connolly-Casper

  Cynthia and family, I am so sad to hear of Noel's passing. He was always so positive and kind. I am thinking of you at this terrible time, I hope you always remember the wonderful memories that you shared.

• February 05, 2025

  Lucia Obichie

  February 05,2025 -Lucia Obichie To Cynthia and Noel's children. On behalf of my family, please our condolences.Noel had always been a faithful and caring neighbor to my family.May the Lord continue to comfort, guide and the peace of God that passeth all understanding shall rest upon your family.Rest in peace Noel and in the bosom of your Maker.He will be missed.

• February 05, 2025

  Gail Wilson

  Cynthia I worked across the hall from Noel a number of years and he was always helpful as well as pleasant and approachable. You two such a beautiful couple with beautiful children. So sorry for you and family. Sincerely Gail Wilson

• February 05, 2025

  Keisha Barham

  My heartfelt condolences to you my dear friend Cynthia. Noel was such a a wonderful person. Every time I saw him at UMass Boston he had a smile, pleasant and friendly spirit. I was so happy when you told me you guys had got married. I loved your surprise update phonecalls...lol. You have many wonderful memories to hold on to and reflect on. And like I told you when we talked you can call me anytime. I'm looking forward to seeing you in Albuquerque one day girl. l love you and the kiddos! Such a beautiful family. Always in my prayers ❤️

• February 05, 2025

  Mary Ryan

  I am so sorry to learn of Noel's passing. He was a softspoken and kind person, and someone that made UMass Boston a better place. rest in peace, Noel, and may his family be comforted in their grief. ~Mary Ryan, former UMB colleague

• February 05, 2025

  Diane Vasseur

  To Cynthia and Noel's children. I'm so sorry to hear of Noel's passing. I worked with him for years at UMB and shared so many stories of his life and adventures. He was kind and fair and devoted to his work ethic. He was also so devoted to his sport and athletes. Rest in the sweetest of peace Noel. You will be so missed. Fondly, Diane vasseur

• February 05, 2025

  Anne-Marie McLaughlin

  What a joy it was to work with Noel Cotterell for so many years. He was a true leader—a coach in the broadest sense of the word, on and off the soccer field. Coaches make people perform better and he brought that quality to the workplace. The department was better because of him. He was always so proud of his kids and family. He will be missed dearly.

• February 05, 2025

  Jackie Wellington

  Noel is a wonderful soul full of kinds words. Always a pleasure to see him and always a welcome greetings. You are truly miss by your family and friends and I am sure everyone will cherish their memories of you. Rest in Peace and Much Love to your Family.

• February 04, 2025

  David A. DelBuono

  To Family, Noel was a great friend, mentor, referee and I did alot of games working with him. Noel always had a smile on his face and a way of working with anyone making it a fun and learnable experience. The referee community lost a legend that was dedicated to the game of soccer and it was with great honor to have known Noel and gotten to travel and do high level games with him at the USSF, NISOA and Amateur levels. He was simply the best on the field and off the field. NISOA, USSF, NFHS Referee Dave DelBuono (Western Mass)