On July 26, 2025, the world mourned the passing of Coach Noel Certain, a beloved track and field coach, educator, and advocate for social justice, who peacefully left us at the age of 86.
His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.
Born on October 26, 1938, in Westbury, New York, to Noel A. and Geneva Certain, Noel grew up in Port Washington.
He was a standout scholar-athlete at Paul D. Schreiber High School, graduating in 1957. His athletic prowess shone brightly when he won the New York State Track 440-yard championship.
Beyond track, Noel excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, showcasing his versatility.
His leadership extended beyond sports—he served as class president and even won a school talent competition as part of a doo-wop group, charming audiences with his charisma.
Noel’s pursuit of excellence led him to Emporia State University in Kansas, where he studied education and continued to shine as an elite long jumper, ranking among the nation’s best.
After earning his bachelor’s degree, he later completed a master’s in education, setting the stage for a career that would inspire generations.
For More Than Thirty Years, Noel Certain Dedicated Himself To Bay Shore High School
For over three decades, from 1967 to 1999, Noel Certain poured his heart into Bay Shore High School as both a social studies teacher and the track and field and cross country coach.
His classroom was a stage for history, where he brought lessons to life through vivid reenactments of pivotal moments.
He didn’t just teach facts—he encouraged his students to dream big and realize their fullest potential.
On the track, Coach Certain was a guiding light, leading his teams to numerous individual and team championships.
His ability to inspire athletes to push beyond their limits earned him the prestigious Suffolk County Coach of the Year award in 1998, a recognition that humbled him deeply.
For Noel, coaching was about more than winning races; it was about building character and fostering resilience.
One of his former athletes, M. Joshujuan Pressley, shared a heartfelt tribute that captures the depth of Noel’s impact:
“here are people who enter your life and leave an indelible impact, forever a part of your existence. Coach Certain was more than an educator and a coach. He was a leader with quiet strength and a wealth of knowledge. He was a man of grace, empathy, and compassion. He didn’t just make me a better athlete—he made me a better person. His life lessons are like a baton, and each of us he touched carried it and passed it on.”
Via Facebook
Their bond extended beyond the track. Noel offered Pressley guidance through college, gave him a job, and even welcomed him into his family.
Years later, in 2016, they reconnected over dinner in Phoenix.
Pressley, then in his 50s, still called him “Mr. Certain” out of deep respect, though Noel insisted on “Noel.”
That cherished evening remains a treasured memory for Pressley, evidence of the lasting connections Noel forged.
Noel Certain’s commitment to justice was as fierce as his dedication to his students and athletes.
In the 1960s and 70s, he was an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement, standing up for equality during a pivotal time in history.
His passion for social change never wavered. In his later years, he championed causes close to his heart, including reducing gun violence and advocating for LGBTQ and immigrant rights.
His life was a powerful example of using one’s voice to uplift others.
A Family Man and Community Leader
Noel was a devoted husband to his wife, Doreen Certain, and a loving father to his children, Leslie, Noel C., Gray, Kim, and Krisnoel.
His warmth and wisdom spread to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will carry his legacy forward.
His family was his anchor, and he took pride in nurturing those closest to him.
Beyond his family and school, Noel was a pillar of his community. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life left a lasting impression.
Whether through a kind word, a shared laugh, or a moment of guidance, he made everyone feel seen and valued.
Noel Certain’s passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but his spirit will continue to inspire.
A private service will be held for immediate family, and a public celebration of his life is planned for October 26, 2025, which would have been his 87th birthday.
The event will take place at 1:00 p.m. at the Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington, NY, a venue that once housed Noel’s junior high school—a fitting place to honor his journey.
In lieu of flowers, the Certain family requests donations of blood or financial contributions to the American Red Cross or local blood banks.
They express gratitude to the many blood donors whose generosity helped sustain Noel in his final days.
Rest in peace, Coach. Your legacy will never fade.
