Daniel (“Dan”) B. Noble, 84, of Norwich, died peacefully at Binghamton General Hospital on Saturday, June 10, 2017. Born June 30, 1932, Dan was the son of the late Daniel and Pearl (Lewis) Noble. He grew up in the Norwich and Plymouth areas, attended a one-room schoolhouse on the Plymouth Reservoir Road and was later a graduate of Norwich High School. Dan served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1954 through 1956. While he was stationed in Japan he became interested in the culture and later was able to climb Mount Fuji, something he was very proud of. After being honorably discharged, Dan attended Cortland College and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1960 and a master’s degree in education in 1966. He also earned an M.A. Dan taught in various schools throughout New York State, including Newark Valley Central School and Otselic Valley Central School. He also held an administrative position as Associate Dean for Rural Affairs at the New York School of Psychiatry in Elmira, NY. From an early age Dan, along with his father and brothers, became very interested in archaeology and as an Eagle Scout he collected a large number of Native American artifacts. Throughout his adult life Dan continued to make important contributions to archaeology especially from his excavations at the White Site in Norwich. Dan was one of the earliest members of the Chenango Chapter of the New York State Archaeological Association in Norwich and looked forward to the monthly speaker meetings. Over the span of his life, Dan collected a vast amount of Native American cultural material and documented a great deal of information on each artifact. His legacy continues with his artifacts being permanently housed at the Roland B. Hill Museum of Archeology in Otego NY, at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center in Waverly, NY and at the New York State Museum, Archaeological Department in Albany, NY. Dan took great pleasure knowing future generations would benefit from the donations he left in these museums. An enthusiastic naturalist, Dan loved nothing more than to watch the animals come to the feeders beneath the pine trees near his house and his knowledge of bird species was extensive. Dan is survived by one brother, George (Nelma) of Reno, Nevada, as well as various nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Charles and William (“Bill”). Toward the end of his life Dan was faithfully cared for at home by Charlene and Kevin DeSha. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dan’s memory may be made to The Chenango Chapter of the New York State Archaeological Association, c/o Robert Mason, Treasurer, 5314 County Rd. 32, Norwich NY, 13815.
At Daniel’s request, there will be no formal services at this time. Arrangements have been entrusted to RJ Fahy Funeral Home, 116 N. Broad St. Norwich.