Beloved Bay Shore HS Track Coach Noel Certain Passes Away at 86, Leaving a Legacy of Leadership, Compassion, and Social Change
Rest in peace, Coach. Your legacy will never fade.
July 31, 2026
On July 26, 2026, 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 inspired generations.
For Over Three Decades, Noel Certain Shaped Young Minds at Bay Shore High School
From 1967 to 1999, Noel 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 came alive with history lessons, where he brought pivotal moments to life through vivid reenactments.
He didn’t just teach facts—he empowered students to dream big and reach their fullest potential.
On the track, Coach Certain guided his teams to numerous championships, earning the Suffolk County Coach of the Year award in 1998. For him, coaching was about building character and resilience, not just winning races.
“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.”
Their bond extended beyond the track. Noel offered Pressley guidance through college, gave him a job, and 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.”
Coach Noel Certain (Source: Legacy)Noel Certain’s commitment to justice was as fierce as his dedication to his students and athletes.
In the 1960s and 70s, he stood up for equality during the Civil Rights Movement, a testament to his unwavering passion for social change.
His later years saw him championing causes like reducing gun violence and advocating for LGBTQ and immigrant rights.
His life exemplified using one’s voice to uplift others.
A Devoted Family Man and Community Pillar
Noel was a loving husband to his wife, Doreen Certain, and a proud father to Leslie, Noel C., Gray, Kim, and Krisnoel.
His warmth and wisdom extended to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will carry his legacy forward.
Family was his anchor, and he cherished nurturing those closest to him.
Beyond family, Noel connected deeply with his community, making everyone feel seen through kindness and guidance.
Noel Louis Elmer Certain (Source: Legacy)Noel Certain’s passing leaves a void, but his spirit endures.
A private service will honor his family, with a public celebration planned for October 26, 2026—the day he would have turned 87.
The gathering will take place at 1:00 p.m. at the Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington, NY, a place tied to his roots.
In lieu of flowers, the Certain family requests donations to the American Red Cross or local blood banks.
They thank blood donors for sustaining Noel in his final days.
Rest in peace, Coach. Your legacy will never fade.
- Explore more articles on
Reshma, a skilled content editor, crafts stories that resonate deeply with readers.
Featured Articles
May 22, 2026
May 21, 2026
May 20, 2026
Community Voices
May 22, 2026
May 21, 2026
May 20, 2026
Share This Story
- May 22, 2026
An Aledo ISD student-athlete’s tragic loss highlights urgent safety concerns.
- May 22, 2026
Jackson Playground’s safety issues spark community debate.
- May 21, 2026
Louis Chighisola III, a beloved local athlete, passes away at 49.
- May 21, 2026
St. Vincent Ferrer School faces criticism over bullying and administration.
- May 20, 2026
Parent raises alarms about ongoing issues at St. Vincent Ferrer School.
- May 20, 2026
Glebe Locals group sparks controversy over schoolboy incident.
