Class: 2008
Major: Political Science and International Relations, Political Economy
Residence: Falls Church, VA
Deceased: February 14, 2024
Alumni survivors: Dr. Erica C. Nakajima ’08 W08 (Widow/Widower)
Sean Michael Noonan of Falls Church, VA, born July 18, 1986 in Concord, CA and passed away on February 14, 2024 at the age of 37. He is survived by his wife of eight years, Erica Nakajima, brother Pat Noonan, and mother Jalayne Noonan. He graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa and then Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota with a degree in International Relations and a concentration in Political Economy; graduating cum laude. Sean was awarded a Watson Fellowship with which he explored cycling cultures around the globe with this scholarship. Sean went on to serve his country in the United States Army Special Operations Forces as a Psychological Operations Specialist. During this time in the Army from 2013 to 2019, he served two tours in Afghanistan and was awarded a Bronze Star, an Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals and graduated Distinguished Honor Graduate – Psychological Operations Qualification Course, class 02-16. Sean was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. After the Army, Sean received a masters degree with honors in Security Studies at Georgetown University. Using the unique combination of his military experience and academic expertise, Sean continued to serve his country, advancing psychological operations policy on strategic initiatives for the Department of Defense at the Pentagon.
Throughout his life, Sean aided his friends, family, and country. Those who remember Sean will recall his contagious laugh, his pranks, and his maddening love for debate and button pushing. Sean was known as many things: cyclist, friend, mentor, soldier, brother and loving husband. Most of all, Sean taught those he cared for to find humor and joy in the every day. His memorial service will be held at 2pm on March 3, 2024 at Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion in Potomac, MD. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts of Fairfax, VA
Comments
I am so saddened and heart broken! I was Sean’s Aunt Sean was my brother Robert’s son and I had no idea he passed until now 🙏🏼. His obituaries show my brother Bob, his father was a great influence for Sean as Bob was also a Vietnam Vet. I could say so much more! Pat and Erica I am so so sorry for your loss. I wish I had reached out a long time ago but was not sure I would be accepted. You will be in my prayers always. He is with his dad, my brother now and both looking down at Patrick and Erica 🙏🏼🙏🏼 with love..
I am so saddened and heart broken! I was Sean’s Aunt and Sean was my brother Robert’s son and I had no idea he passed until now 🙏🏼. His obituaries show my brother Bob, his father, was a great influence for Sean as Bob was also a Vietnam Vet. I could say so much more! Pat and Erica I am so so sorry for your loss. I wish I had reached out a long time ago but was not sure I would be accepted. You will be in my prayers always. He is with his dad, my brother now and both looking down at Patrick and Erica 🙏🏼🙏🏼 with love..
I am so saddened and heart broken! I was Sean’s Aunt and Sean was my brother Robert’s son and I had no idea he passed until now 🙏🏼. His obituary shows my brother Bob, his father, was a great influence for Sean as Bob was also a Vietnam Vet. Pat and Erica I am so so sorry for your loss. I wish I had reached out a long time ago but was not sure should. You will be in my prayers always. He is with his dad, my brother now and both looking down at Patrick and Erica 🙏🏼🙏🏼 with love..
I am in a state of shock reading this obituary. I was a neighbor of Bob and Jalayne in Pleasant Hill,Ca. from 1986 until 1990. Sean was an adorable little boy and I enjoyed taking him for walks with their dog, Butterscotch. The Noonans were so wonderful to me being a single girl and new to CA. Sean was such a quick and smart little boy I am not at all surprised reading about his many achievements. I now live in NC and would have definitely attended the services had I known. My heart and prayers go to his wife. And prayers to Jalayne and Patrick as they navigate the years with this loss. God bless this family.