Tributes

It’s fitting that a man named after Christmas closed the book of his life during the Christmas season. Noel F. Laurel, a man of quiet fortitude, corny humor and perpetual steadiness, died Dec. 9, 2022. He was never in a hurry for anything, instead approaching life with thought and deliberation. Nothing was decided quickly. Everything was approached with intention and seriousness. As a clinical social worker and therapist, he tried to help each patient as much as he could. He retired briefly but then returned to work just weeks before his death. He wasn’t done helping the world. He was a perpetual learner, always seeking greater knowledge. He had an itch to grow intellectually and was just about to start learning a new language—just because. His brain was his superpower. And he was firm: You give your very best for your family. Love without bounds or conditions. Live to the very fullest. Believe in miracles. Have faith. He had a firm grasp of reality and was infinitely patient, putting up with four girls in his immediate family circle with grace and the best quality ever: silence. He knew when to say absolutely nothing. So often he was quiet in person but his head was loud with his thoughts—sometimes so loud that he didn’t realize that he hadn’t said a word in hours. Music was always playing in his ears, and he strummed the guitar in times of joy and times of sorrow. He sang a little off-key, but with passion. And he passed on his love of music to his children and grandchildren who have vowed to continue pursuing music in honor of their Pop. Every tooth in his mouth was a sweet one. He could make the sweetest dessert even sweeter, adding a little chocolate here, an extra sprinkle of sugar there. Even breakfast deserved dessert. He made life sweeter too. His smile was quick. His hugs strong. His advice was sound. His love was unending. He leaves behind a family who loves him very much. Noel F. Laurel is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dora Ramirez Laurel, his alma Latina. He has three girls: Becky Mulac, his sunshine. Erika Laurel Seller, his morning sunflower. And Lety Laurel Matos, his bougainvillea—beautiful “but will hurt you if she feels manipulated.” He also is survived by his sister, Edna Vasquez, and has three sons-in-law, Rick Mulac, Todd Seller and Orlando Matos. He has four grandchildren, Jacob Seller, Laurel Seller, Gabriel Matos and Michael Matos, whom he loved very much. He was giving life lessons to them until the last week of his life. Family adviser is a role he took seriously. A memorial service will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 10703 Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230.

Tributes

Noel Fernando Laurel

November 1, 1943 - December 9, 2022