Noel Westerlind, 78, of Leonardo, went to heaven surrounded by family and friends at home March 8, 2021.
Noel was born in Islip, New York, to parents Rudolph and Isabella Westerlind. He was the baby brother of King, Richie and Billy Joe. He married the love of his life Vicki Berg in February 1965. He had two children, Noel Jr. and Nancy.
Noel was hardworking from a very young age; he worked in the Captree Boat Basin on the family’s fishing boats. He attended Babylon High school, then attended Rider College and Newark School of Engineering.
He was a proud concrete finisher in BAC Local 4. The Atlantic Highlands Harbor was home to Captain Ron Santee’s Fisherman where Noel greatly influenced and inspired many of the younger generations of fishermen. Noel was an avid beach goer at Sandy Hook for many years.
Noel took great pleasure in visiting and photographing the beautiful creatures of the Jersey Shore.
Noel is survived by his wife of 56 years Vicki Westerlind; son Noel Westerlind Jr., Middletown; daughter Nancy Westerlind Freeman, Fair Haven; grandchildren Kaitlyn and Gavin Westerlind; granddaughters Hailey, Riley and Kelsey Freeman; and grandchildren Alex, Edward and Liv Jackson. His brother Richie Westerlind and wife Jeanie live in Indiantown, Florida. His sister-in-law Linda Stevens Westerlind lives in Oakdale, New York. Noel has many cousins, nieces and nephews in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Long Island, Florida, Sweden and around the world with whom he has maintained close relationships.
Predeceased are parents Rudolph and Isabella Westerlind; brother King and his wife Geraldine Westerlind of Monmouth Beach; Billy Joe Westerlind of Oakdale, New York; and Kristy Westerlind, also of Oakdale.
A memorial will be held at Nancy Freeman’s home May 1 as an open house. Please email noelsrmemorial@gmail.com for more information.
The article originally appeared in the April 29 – May 5, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
