With deep sorrow, we share the passing of Dr. Noah Haiduc-Dale, who died at the age of 48 after a brave and dignified battle with brain cancer. His departure leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of his family, students, colleagues, and the many communities he enriched through his teaching, scholarship, music, and friendship.

A Scholar and Teacher of Impact

Since joining Centenary University’s History Department in 2013, Noah became a pillar of the academic community. His expertise in the history of the contemporary Middle East earned him recognition as a respected scholar, but it was his dedication to his students that defined much of his legacy.

Beyond the lecture hall, Noah served as University archivist, chair of the Speakers Committee, and advisor to the History Club, roles in which he infused campus life with energy, creativity, and wisdom. He was admired for his ability to weave intellectual rigor with compassion, turning history into a living subject that inspired his students to think critically and empathetically about the world.

A Man of Many Passions

Noah’s interests stretched far beyond academia. A gifted musician, he delighted children and families for over a decade by playing the banjo weekly at the local library. His love of the outdoors shaped his courses, such as his distinctive May Term on the American Wilderness, which drew on his cherished time spent in the Adirondacks with his family.

Even as his health declined, Noah’s curiosity never dimmed. He continued research on an ambitious project about the history of seaside villages in the Persian Gulf, a reflection of his relentless passion for discovery and storytelling.

A Devoted Family Man

At the center of Noah’s life was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Michelle, and their three children, Maia, Asher, and Ethan, who were his greatest joy and constant source of strength. To them, he was not only a husband and father but a model of love, faith, and resilience. His family remembers the way he embraced simple pleasures—cooking meals, baking bread, roasting coffee, tying flies, fishing, birdwatching—finding beauty and gratitude in the ordinary moments of life.

Noah’s brother recalls him reflecting after his diagnosis in 2018: “I’m not afraid of dying. I just love life so much.” Those words encapsulate the way he chose to live—fully, joyfully, and with an open heart.

A Mentor and Friend

Colleagues and students describe Noah as approachable, thoughtful, and endlessly supportive. His mentorship extended beyond academics; he was someone who listened with patience, encouraged with sincerity, and challenged with care. He inspired students to pursue history not just as a discipline, but as a way of understanding humanity.

His community involvement further reflected his generous spirit. Serving eight years on the local school board, Noah demonstrated his belief in the importance of education, service, and community engagement. His contributions—whether through teaching, music, or civic duty—wove him into the fabric of the lives he touched.

Honoring His Memory

To celebrate Noah’s life and legacy, two gatherings of remembrance have been planned:

• Vigil: Monday, September 8, at 7:00 p.m. in front of the Seay Administration Building.

• Memorial Service: Friday, September 12, at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Church.

These gatherings will provide an opportunity for family, friends, and colleagues to grieve, to share stories, and to honor the enduring impact Noah made on all who knew him.

A Legacy of Light

Noah’s journey with cancer revealed not only his resilience but also his remarkable perspective. Surrounded by the love and support of family, friends, and colleagues, he faced hardship with grace, gratitude, and a steadfast love of life. His memory will live on in the lessons he taught, the music he shared, and the kindness he gave so freely.

Dr. Noah Haiduc-Dale will be remembered as a scholar, mentor, musician, friend, and most of all, a loving husband and father. His legacy is one of wisdom, compassion, and joy—an enduring reminder of how to live fully, love deeply, and inspire others.