Henry W. “Papa” Noponen, 83, died Thursday, April 17, 2008, in the Odd Fellows Home, Worcester. He leaves his wife, Concetta (Panebinco) Noponen of Barefoot Bay, FL; a son, David J. Noponen and his wife Joann of Worcester; a daughter, Marie E. Noponen of Worcester; a sister, Jane M. Simmarano of West Boylston; 1 niece and 4 nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Sanelma “Sally” (Laino) Noponen (d. 1984).

  Henry was born in Worcester, son of Henry J. and Saima O. (Isakson) Noponen. He was a WWII Army veteran, serving in the Pacific Theatre. He was a machinist for the Olson Mfg. Co. and worked as a security guard for the Pinkerton Agency. He was a member of the River of Life Church, a volunteer driver for the Red Cross Blood Mobile, member of the American Legion Post 366 of Florida, and was a champion shuffle board player and a history buff.

   Funeral services will be held Monday, April 21, at 11:00 a.m. in Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours will be Sunday 2-4 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the River of Life Church, 7951 Ron Beatty Blvd., Barefoot Bay, FL 32976.