William Noel Farabaugh, 96, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away peacefully with his children by his side on March 11, 2026.
William Noel Farabaugh
(1929–2026)
William Noel Farabaugh, 96, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away peacefully with his children by his side on March 11, 2026.
Bill lived a life defined by curiosity, service, and deep devotion to family. A veteran, attorney, sailor, historian, and civic leader, he was known to those who knew him best for his kindness, patience, and quiet confidence in others.
Born in South Bend, Bill was the son of Gallitzin Aloysius Farabaugh and Nano Golley Farabaugh and younger sibling of Margaret, John and Dave. He grew up in a family deeply connected to the Notre Dame community—his father practiced law for the University for more than five decades and was part of the effort to raise funds for the original Notre Dame football stadium.
As a young man, Bill was adventurous and independent. He worked as a travel guide on western trains and as a waiter on Nantucket before beginning his legal career. Bill graduated from the University of Notre Dame and later earned his law degree from Indiana University in 1957. In between, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1950 and served for four and a half years, including time aboard an aircraft carrier stationed off the coast of Turkey. After returning home, Bill built a long and respected career as an attorney in South Bend as a partner in the law firm Chapleau, Farabaugh & Wozniak.
Bill believed deeply in community service and civic engagement. Over the years he was active in the South Bend Rotary Club, United Way, Junior Achievement, and the Corey Lake Yacht Club, where he served as commodore. He also volunteered his time teaching courses that helped foreign-born residents prepare for United States citizenship—an effort that reflected his belief in opportunity and in helping others succeed.
A lifelong student of the world, Bill loved history, literature, and travel. His home library contained books on Shakespeare, poetry, world history, Greek history and mythology, and sailing books – his favorites by Paul Elvstrom and Buddy Melges. Music filled the house as well—from Frank Sinatra and the Tijuana Brass to classical compositions.
He loved the outdoors and the water. Whether sailing on Corey Lake in Michigan, fishing on Lake Anjigami in Canada, water skiing, snow skiing, or repairing small “putt-putt” motors, Bill found joy wherever wind and water met. In winter, he was well known for driving his snowmobile faster than the neighborhood teenagers.
At home he was a generous host and a man who believed that life should be shared. Friends and family remember regattas, lively New Year’s Eve parties—even in snowstorms—and countless afternoons on the water. Both his home on Corey Lake and his later residence in Naples, Florida faced west so he could end each day watching the sunset.
Above all, Bill was a family man. In 1962, he married Norvella “Norie” Green Farabaugh, his wife and partner of 56 years. Together they raised five children and built a home filled with encouragement, independence, and trust. Rather than impose rules, Bill often told his children simply to “use your good judgment.” He believed deeply in allowing people to learn, grow, and succeed on their own terms.
Those who knew him often remarked on his humility. Bill never sought attention or spoke loudly about his accomplishments. Yet he was anything but simple. He was thoughtful, well-read, and enlightened and curious about the wider world. In later years he and Norie traveled frequently, including trips to Europe, China, and Egypt.
Those who loved him will remember a man with intense blue eyes, a ready smile, and the steady presence that brought out the best in others.
Bill is survived by his five children: Julie F. Warth of Rochester, NY; Gina F. Ward (Rodman) of Wilmington, DE; Anne F. Dimond (Drew) of Carmel, IN; Amy H. Farabaugh of Andover, MA; and William N. Farabaugh of South Bend, IN.
He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Leah and Daniel Warth; Carolyn, Julia and Robby Ward; Andrew, Maddie and Sarah Dimond; William and Margaret Elaine Farabaugh; and Beatrice, Adeline and George Farabaugh.
Memorial contributions noting “In memory of William N. Farabaugh” may be made to:
YMCA of Greater Michiana – Camp Eberhart (Project-132)905 North Front StreetNiles, MI 49120https://campeberhart.ymcagm.org/
In the end, Bill lived much as he sailed—willing to trust his instincts and adjust his course with the wind