Discovering that journalism and writing were instinctual habits from an early age, Don O. Noel Jr. is a nationally acclaimed editor, columnist and author who served as a political columnist in the op-ed section of the Hartford Courant for 13 years between 1984 and 1997. At the inception of his career in 1958, he served The Hartford Times as a reporter and soon escalated through the ranks to assistant managing editor, editorial page editor and editor-in-chief until his departure from the paper in 1975. From there, Mr. Noel served as a senior correspondent for WFSB-TV and the host of “Face the State” at post-Newsweek stations from 1975 to 1984.
Hailing from a familial history of journalism, Mr. Noel drew inspiration from his paternal grandfather, who was the editor of the Butte Miner in Montana. Although this interest in writing skipped a generation, as Mr. Noel’s father was an engineer with minimal writing urges, Mr. Noel delved into the profession while in Boy Scouts in the seventh grade. Covering his local troop in West Orange, New Jersey, he soon began reporting on local events and sports through his graduation from high school. Impressively, he founded an elementary school newspaper in just the third grade.
Mr. Noel is the noted author of “Near a Far Sea: A Jamaican Odyssey,” which was published in 2006. He has also contributed more than 50 short stories to literary magazines and anthologies. The recipient of myriad accolades in journalism and writing,
including a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize, he previously lived in Tokyo for two years while on military duty, where he learned to speak fluent Japanese. Applying this knowledge to his vocations, Mr. Noel has been met with much success throughout his near four-decade long career.
Happily married to the late Elizabeth Brad Noel for over 60 years, Mr. Noel is the proud father of one daughter, Emily. In his spare time, he enjoys bird watching, attending concerts and operas, and traveling. In recognition of his contributions to the world of journalism, he was highlighted in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in the East.
Contact Mr. Noel:
