Noel James Behan, 76, formerly of Dublin, Ireland; Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania; and most recently Fernandina Beach, Florida, passed away on May 17, 2026, in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Born on June 25, 1949, in Dublin, Ireland, to the late Richard “RJ” Behan and Mary (Elmore) Behan, Noel grew up in Raheny, Dublin, where he worked as a butcher by trade before later owning and operating two neighborhood stores.

Noel married the love of his life, Bernadette Clarke of Howth Junction, Dublin, Ireland, in September 1970. Shortly thereafter they welcomed their first son Mark, followed by their second son, Darren. In 1979, Noel’s entrepreneurial spirit inspired him to move his family to Long Island, New York, where he and Bernadette welcomed their third son, Paul, in 1981.

Over the next 15 years, Noel worked tirelessly in many areas of the hospitality industry, learning the skills and gaining the experience necessary to open his own Irish pub and restaurant — The Emerald Restaurant & Molly Maguires Pub — in the beautiful town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, in 1993. For nearly 30 years Noel was a constant presence at “The Mollies,” proudly welcoming locals and visitors alike while forming countless lifelong friendships along the way. The pub became more than a business to Noel; it was a gathering place built on warmth, laughter, loyalty, and community.

Noel was a founding member and past president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), Alec Campbell Division 1, in Carbon County Pennsylvania. Under his leadership the AOH was instrumental in reinvigorating the town’s strong Irish heritage. Through the AOH, Noel, Bernadette, and a dedicated team of fellow Hibernians organized the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which attracted tens of thousands of visitors to Jim Thorpe for 21 consecutive years.

Noel was deeply devoted to his family and immensely proud of his three sons and all they accomplished. Nothing brought him greater joy than watching his family and business grow and succeed. He valued and respected the many employees who worked alongside him throughout the years, treating them like extended family and appreciating their hard work, loyalty, and camaraderie. He also cherished the innumerable friendships he made during his years in New York and Pennsylvania, especially through Molly Maguires Pub, where his larger-than-life personality, sharp wit, and great sense of humor left a lasting impression on so many people.

Proud of his Irish heritage and eager to share it with others, Noel led hundreds of people on organized tours throughout Ireland, creating unforgettable memories and lifelong connections along the way.

Noel was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Mary (Elmore) Behan his sisters Marie (Behan) Kennedy and Brenda (Behan) Duffy; and his brother, Desmond “Dessie” Behan, and niece, Victoria Behan.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years, Bernadette (Clarke) Behan of Fernandina Beach, Florida; his son Mark and wife Debra (Dreher) Behan; his son Darren and wife Jennifer (Kuzo) Behan both of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania; and his son Paul and wife Joy (Piatek) Behan of Fernandina Beach, Florida. He is also survived by his bother Ritchie and wife Bernie (Cullen) Behan, brother Derek and wife Michelle (Jones) Behan, sister Roseleen (Behan) Doyle wife of John Doyle, and sister Deirdre (Behan) Keyes wife of Anthony Keyes. Noel also leaves behind six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and dozens of nieces and nephews, all of which he dearly adored.

Noel requested a celebration of his life be held in the town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, which will follow a Catholic mass at Immaculate Conception Church. Details of the celebration will be shared at a later date. Noel’s family requests that in lieu of flowers you head to your nearest Irish pub, have a toast in his honor, and be overly generous to your bartenders and waitstaff.