Richard “Ric” Earl Noble, age 77, of Gouverneur, beloved father, grandfather, witty joke teller, and lifelong overachiever in every hobby he undertook, passed away on December 23, 2025 at home under the care of his loving family and hospice. He fought off cancer to the bitter end, proving once and for all that even the most stubborn among us eventually rest.
Born in Gouverneur on November 13, 1948, to the late Claude and Helena Ruth (Mashaw) Noble. He graduated from Gouverneur High School and had been a gunsmith for Ithaca Guns before working as a miner for St. Joe Minerals Corporation for 20 years.
Ric lived a life fueled by curiosity, determination, and an uncanny ability to fix anything without reading instructions. With his sharp wit and creative problem solving skills, “we’ll figure it out” was a perfectly acceptable plan.
Ric had an endless arsenal of jokes and had a joke for nearly every occasion, whether appropriate or not. If you were within earshot, chances were good you were about to hear a punchline. His sense of humor was one of his greatest gifts.
Remarkably, Ric also seemed to excel at everything he decided to try from pool and bowling in his younger years to horseshoes and pickleball, winning many championships and trophies. Whether by skill, focus or sheer refusal to lose, he made it look easy. His competitive spirit was always paired well with laughter and good fun and he acquired many friends over the years. Even at 76 years old, he would play pickleball for hours, sharing his skills with others, and then come home and walk for several miles through the woods. He had a lifelong love for the outdoors including camping, hiking, geocaching and hunting.
Beyond his humor and competitive streak, Ric gave his time generously, volunteering to help those in need. He believed in showing up for others, helping where he could, and doing good quietly-though he probably still managed to crack a joke while doing it.
Above all else, Ric loved his family. He was deeply proud of his children and thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren, who quickly learned that Papa always had a joke ready and time to play with them (and always came with snacks).
He is survived by 4 children, Wendy Borrun (Len Desrochers), Danny Noble, Ricky Noble (Bleu Bermudez), and Kylee Noble (Michael Corso); and siblings, Barb Abrantes, Penny Simmons and Vickie Thayer (John Cochrane); and Ed Noble (Laura Scott). He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Ric was predeceased by his parents, his son, Derek Noble, and his brother, Terry Noble.
His family will miss his humor, his stories, his clever ideas, and his steady presence and reliability. While the jokes may have ended, the laughter he brought into our lives will carry us through. In his honor, tell a joke (even if it’s corny), take a walk through the woods, play a game like you mean it, and never let anyone win too easily.
Donations in memory of Ric may be made to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.
There is no service at this time. A memorial will be announced in the spring. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.