Chatham businessman to receive honorary degree from alma mater

A prominent area businessman will be the keynote speaker at American International College’s (AIC) 129th commencement ceremony. Edward J. Noonan, owner of Whiteley Fuel Oil in Chatham, will receive an honorary doctoral degree from his alma mater during the ceremony, Sunday, May 18 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.

Garry P. Brown of Wilbraham, AIC class of 1955, a sportswriter for the Springfield Republican for more than 60 years, will also receive an honorary doctoral degree at the ceremony.

Noonan, an Orleans resident is a native of Springfield, and grew up just a few blocks from AIC, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1974. He has served on the AIC Board of Trustees since 1997.

AIC President Vince Maniaci, said the college is proud to have two of its own recognized at this year’s commencement ceremony. “Garry Brown has been an institution in sports journalism for more than 50 years, and he has always been a staunch supporter of his alma mater. Ed Noonan has also made the most of his AIC education, growing one of the largest and most successful oil companies in the region. We are also indebted to him for his years of service on the AIC Board of Trustees.”

While a student at AIC, Noonan borrowed five thousand dollars from his father in order to buy his own small oil business, Palmer Coal and Oil. Since that time he has turned Noonan Energy into one of the largest home heating oil companies in the state, serving in excess of 10,000 customers.

Noonan was elected to the Palmer Board of Selectmen, becoming one of the youngest selectmen to ever serve. He went on to serve as Palmer Town Moderator for 10 years, with many years devoted to local business and civic organizations.

In 2008, Noonan was honored by the Springfield Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee with its Appreciation Award for his many years of support to the committee. In 2013, he was selected as the Springfield Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Marshall.