Carlton L. Noyes

Carlton L. Noyes, 84, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at the Bedford Veterans Hospital. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts, to Irene and Philip Noyes, he grew up in Holliston and later made his home in Harvard. He earned a BA in Biology from the University of Bridgeport, where he met his wife, Sue. From childhood, Carlton nurtured a deep love for the natural world that led him to become an arborist and aquatic biologist. He hiked the entire Appalachian Trail and remained active in the Boy Scouts, experiences that shaped his lifelong respect for the outdoors.

Carlton joined the U.S. Army in 1966 as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 307th Medical Battalion at Fort Sam Houston and later volunteered for the 82nd Airborne. In 1967, he deployed to Vietnam as a medic with the 173rd Airborne. A respected Captain and combat medic, he served with the 4/503rd Infantry through some of the war’s most intense fighting, including Dak To, Tuy Hoa, Hill 823, Hill 875, the TET Offensive, and Cemetery Hill. For his courage and service, he was awarded the Bronze Star with First Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Medal. His unit received the Valorous Unit Award for extraordinary heroism. The physical and emotional toll of that service, including exposure to Agent Orange, followed him for the rest of his life. He carried survivor’s guilt and PTSD with quiet dignity, achieving sobriety in his fifties and later seeking help for his trauma. He found comfort in his faith and encouraged fellow veterans to seek support, maintain sobriety, trust in God, and remain devoted to their families.

After his military service, Carlton worked for more than 35 years as an environmental consultant, aquatic biologist, laboratory director, and vice president. He contributed to major infrastructure projects including Boston’s Third Harbor Tunnel, the Central Artery Project, the MBTA Silver Line, and environmental initiatives in Puerto Rico, Chile, and Taiwan. His expertise in lake and pond restoration, wastewater treatment, and water quality improvement left a lasting impact on the landscapes he cared for so deeply.

Carlton and Sue built a home in Harvard filled with life—chickens, pigs, pet bunnies, horses, ponies, and expansive vegetable and flower gardens. He delighted in creating zip lines for his children, teaching them to ski, skate, and make snow jumps. Though he and Sue later divorced, Harvard remained his true home. In his later years, he lived with his eldest daughter’s family in Greenville, New Hampshire, before moving to Nashoba Park in Ayer, where he valued the independence and nearness to family. He cherished visits from his grandchildren, who brought him laughter and joy.

Carlton is survived by his daughters Kerra Huchowski and her husband James, and their children Ava and Abner; his oldest daughter Heather Noyes-Young and her children Daniel, Amanda, and Timothy; his sisters Frances Spencer and Elaine DiGiovanni and her husband Joseph; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his sister Elaine Francis Noyes, who passed at birth, his brother Peter Noyes, and his sister Marguerite Durham and her husband Dale. His family stood by him through every challenge, offering unwavering care and kindness.