It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear colleague, friend, and brother, Dr. Noah Haiduc-Dale, who died at the age of 48 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, students, and the academic and local communities that he so faithfully served.

Noah was a cherished member of the History Department at Centenary University since 2013, where he established himself as a respected scholar of the contemporary Middle East and an inspiring teacher.

His work extended far beyond the classroom—he served as University archivist, chair of the Speakers Committee, and advisor to the History Club, enriching campus life with his wisdom, generosity, and enthusiasm. Students and colleagues alike admired his ability to blend scholarship with humanity, making history not only something to study but something to live and understand deeply.

Noah’s passions were broad and beautifully interwoven. He loved music and shared it freely, often playing the banjo at the local library every week for more than a decade, bringing joy to countless children and families.

He infused his teaching with creativity, developing unique courses such as his May Term on the American Wilderness, inspired by his deep connection to the Adirondacks, where he made lifelong memories with family. His unfinished project on the history of seaside villages in the Persian Gulf reflected his enduring curiosity and commitment to scholarship even as he faced illness.

Family was at the heart of Noah’s life. He is survived by his devoted wife, Michelle, and their three beloved children, Maia, Asher, and Ethan. To them, and to his extended family, he was not only a source of unwavering love but also a model of how to live fully, even in the face of hardship.

His brother recalls Noah saying after his diagnosis in 2018: “I’m not afraid of dying. I just love life so much.” And indeed, he lived out that love in every moment—cooking meals, baking bread, roasting coffee, tying flies, fishing, watching birds, and treasuring the beauty of daily life.

His colleagues remember him as a scholar who brought passion and depth to his field, but also as a mentor who was approachable, encouraging, and endlessly supportive. His students describe him as someone who made them feel seen, challenged them to think deeply, and inspired them to explore history with fresh eyes. He embodied the rare combination of intellectual rigor and genuine kindness.

Beyond academia, Noah gave generously to his community. He completed an eight-year term on the local school board, further demonstrating his commitment to service. His music, his teaching, and his friendship wove him into the fabric of the community, leaving a legacy of joy, wisdom, and compassion.

These services will be a chance to grieve, to celebrate his life, and to support one another as we carry forward his memory.

Noah’s journey with cancer revealed his extraordinary resilience and perspective. While he endured treatments and challenges, he often reflected on his fortune to be surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues who supported him. Even in illness, he lived with gratitude, faith, and a profound love of life.

As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the gift of his life. Noah Haiduc-Dale will be remembered as a scholar, teacher, mentor, musician, husband, father, brother, and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, in the lessons he taught, and in the love he shared so abundantly.

Farewell, Noah. Your light, kindness, and passion will never be forgotten.