Called the "quiet official" by many coaches in the area serviced by the Eastern Board of Approved Football Officials, William D. "Bill" Noonan was a graduate of Bulkeley High of New London in 1945. He was a US Army veteran before attending Moorhead State University where he received his bachelor's degree in 1951. He then earned a master's degree from the University of Connecticut. He worked as a physical education teacher and later a guidance counselor in the Waterford School System. Noonan eventually became Director of Guidance at Waterford High School. He became an early member of the fledgling EBAFO and, like many of his peers, worked his way from sub-varsity games to the varsity level. His abilities were noted by his fellow officials and by coaches and athletic directors. By 1960 he had quickly become one of the top rated referees on the board, and was assigned too many top games in the Eastern Connecticut area. In 1968, he was elected President of the group, served as its interpreter, and eventually was named its Assignment Chairman from 1970-1975. He was a two-term President of the state board. He died at the age of 51, and was immortalized by the EBAFO, when it named its Sportsmanship Award in his honor. "He was one of the most respected officials to ever wear the stripes," says Gordie Mauer about his former mentor. He was married to the former Jeananne Gillis, and the couple had two sons.