BIDDEFORD – Noel E. Uzemack, 77, died peacefully in his wife’s arms and surrounded by family on April 22, 2021.

Noel was born in Skokie, Ill. on Dec. 27, 1943, a son of Edward and Eleanor (Platlkus) Uzemack. He graduated from Niles East High School and attended Humboldt State University in California.

Noel worked with various civil rights organization

BIDDEFORD – Noel E. Uzemack, 77, died peacefully in his wife’s arms and surrounded by family on April 22, 2021.

Noel was born in Skokie, Ill. on Dec. 27, 1943, a son of Edward & Eleanor (Platkus) Uzemack.  He graduated from Niles East High School and attended Humboldt State University in California.

Noel worked with various civil rights organizations on the southside of Chicago from 1966 to 1969.  Noel proudly marched with Dr. Martin Luther King in 1966 in Marquette Park, Chicago.

Noel moved to San Francisco to begin his 30 plus years as a Technical Director in Opera, starting with the San Francisco Opera, then moving to the Seattle Opera and finally to the Washington National Opera in Washington DC working alongside Placido Domingo.   Noel met his wife, Sandy while he worked for the Opera and she worked for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

After leaving the big city for Geneva, N.Y., Noel’s second career began in the Finger Lakes wine industry where he became a certified wine specialist.  Noel taught wine appreciation courses at the NY Culinary Institute and worked at several wineries starting with Fox Run Winery and ending with Billsboro Winery.

Noel was predeceased by his parents; and his brother-in- law, Robert Bakaric. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy Bissell of Biddeford, sister Bonnie Bakaric of Middleton. Pa., brother  Ed Uzemeckis and his wife Elizabeth Yancey of Sedona, Ariz.; mother and father-in-law, Shirley Randall- Bourgault and Robert Bourgault of Biddeford; sisters-in-law Stacey Bissell of Biddeford, Jennifer Bissell and her wife Virginia Eddy of Cumberland, brothers-in-law Joe Bourgault and his wife Suz Parks-Bourgault of Portland, Charlie Bourgault and his wife Cindy of Templeton, Calif.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.  Noel is also survived by his friend of 62 years, Jack Spiteri and his wife Deb Murphy of Lisle, Ill.  Noel and Jack met while they were both copy boys at the Chicago Tribune.

Noel and Sandy loved to travel the country and abroad in search of great food, wine and conversation.  Noel loved to bike, cross country ski and was a voracious reader.

Noel was a kind, gentle soul and a true gentleman who will be missed deeply by his wife, family and friends.

A private gathering will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by Dennett, Craig & Pate 365 Main St, Saco Maine.

Copy the Story Link