Carlton L. Noyes

Carlton L. Noyes, 84, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at the Bedford Veterans Hospital. Carlton was born in Norwood, Massachusetts, to Irene and Philip Noyes, and later settled with his family in Holliston, MA. He earned a BA in Biology from the University of Bridgeport, where he met his wife, Sue. Carl worked as an arborist and aquatic biologist, passions that began in childhood and were strengthened through his involvement with the Boy Scouts and hiking the Appalachian Trail, which he completed.

He joined the U.S. Army in 1966 as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 307th Medical Battalion at Fort Sam Houston, later volunteering for the 82nd Airborne. In 1967, he went to Vietnam to serve as a medic with the 173rd Airborne.

Carlton, a respected Medic and Captain, served in the renowned 173rd Airborne unit during the Vietnam War. His unit faced immense challenges and is among the most decorated for its extensive service.

Throughout his service, Carlton received several distinguished awards, including the Bronze Star (First Oak Leaf Cluster), a Purple Heart, and an Army Commendation Medal. During his deployment in Vietnam, his unit—the 4/503rd Infantry—was honored with the Valorous Unit Award for extraordinary heroism.

Carlton participated in several critical battles during his service, including Dak To, Tuy Hoa, Hill 823, Hill 875, the TET Offensive, and Cemetery Hill. From early November 1967 through Thanksgiving, the 503rd Infantry endured unimaginable hardships and suffered tremendous losses. Carlton, along with his fellow paratroopers and soldiers, exemplified true American heroism.

Carlton struggled with survivor's guilt and PTSD, which deeply impacted him. He achieved sobriety in his fifties and later sought support for his PTSD. He initiated projects, including installing flags for all military branches at the VA in Bedford, Massachusetts.

He would always encourage his fellow Veterans to seek help, sobriety, faith in God, and be deeply devoted in your family. He also always said, when things are tough, get down on your knees and pray to God.

Carlton was an Environmental Consultant for over 35 years, serving as an Aquatic Biologist, Laboratory Director, and Vice President. He contributed to major projects like Boston’s Third Harbor Tunnel, the Central Artery Project (“Big Dig”), the MBTA Silverline, and environmental initiatives in Puerto Rico, Chile, and Taiwan. His work focused on lake and pond restoration, wastewater treatment, and water quality improvement.

Carlton and Sue later settled in Harvard, MA, where he built a house for his growing family, complete with a farm that had chickens, pigs, pet bunnies, horses, and, of course, ponies. He also cared for his large vegetable and flower gardens. He always created ziplines for his kids in the backyard. During the winter, he taught them how to make snow jumps, cross-country and downhill ski, and an ice-skating rink. Carl and Sue later divorced, but he always considered Harvard home.

He lived in Greenville, New Hampshire, with his eldest daughter's family before returning to Massachusetts. Carl later moved to Nashoba Park in Ayer, valuing its independence, medical support, and closeness to his daughter's family. Kerra and Jim often visited with their children, sharing meals and outings. Visits from his grandchildren brought him laughter and happiness.

In summer 2023, Carl suffered a fall from which he never recovered. For 58 years, he persevered through challenges, but ultimately spinal injuries, Agent Orange exposure, cancer, cardiac issues, strokes, and resulting dementia and Alzheimer’s ended his battle.

Carlton is survived by his daughter Kerra Huchowski, her husband James, and their children Ava and Abner. He is also survived by his sisters, Frances Spencer and Elaine DiGiovanni, along with her husband Joseph. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He is also survived by his oldest daughter, Heather Noyes-Young, and her children, Daniel, Amanda, and Timothy. He was predeceased by his sister Elaine Francis Noyes, who passed away at birth, his brother Peter Noyes, and his sister Marguerite Durham and her husband Dale.

His family supported him through every challenge, ensuring he was cared for with dignity and kindness. They thank all who looked after him, especially the teams at Nashoba Park in Ayer and Unit 4A at Bedford VA.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Carlton for a period of visitation on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 9:00 - 10:30 AM, at the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King St., Littleton. A funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM at Blessed Trinity Parish - St. Anne Church, 75 King St., Littleton, MA. His burial with United States Military Funeral Honors will take place on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM, in Elmwood Cemetery, 90 Stockbridge Rd., Great Barrington, MA.

For those who wish to attend services remotely, please visit the livestream link below five minutes before the scheduled service time: Livestream Link: https://iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/541147 

Instead of flowers, please donate to:

Clearpath for Veterans at Devens

84 Antietam St, Devens, MA 01434, https://clearpathnewengland.formstack.com/forms/support_now.

Colby Crew Rescue at https://colbyscrewrescue.org/donate, or any animal shelter. Carlton cherished his horses, dogs, and cats throughout his life.

Arrangements under the care of the Badger Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 347 King St., Littleton, MA. 978-486-3709, www.badgerfuneral.com.