17 Facts About Philip Noel

Philip William Noel was born on June 6,1931 and is an American politician and lawyer who served as the 68th Governor of Rhode Island.

Philip Noel was elected in 1972, and re-elected in 1974.

Philip Noel's parents were Joe Noel, an auto mechanic, and Emma Crudeli Noel, a jewelry worker.

Philip Noel was a class president at Samuel Gorton High School, and was named to Rhode Island's All-State football team during his time there.

Philip Noel transferred to Brown University when Georgetown dropped its football program.

Philip Noel received a degree in Economics from Brown in 1954, then returned to Georgetown University to study Law, with the goal of joining the FBI.

Philip Noel was Miss Rhode Island USA for 1954 and participated in the 1954 Miss USA pageant.

Philip Noel lost his first campaign, but was elected in 1960, and served three terms.

In January 1976, Philip Noel announced a bid for the Democratic nomination to succeed Pastore.

Philip Noel established the Rhode Island Department of Economic Development.

Philip Noel sponsored legislation which established the Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation.

Philip Noel was tasked by President Nixon to travel to China on a diplomatic mission.

In 1976 Philip Noel was the Acting Chairman of the Platform Committee for that year's Democratic National Convention.

Philip Noel was the Chairman of the Democratic Governors' Conference.

In early 1976 Philip Noel was criticized for remarks he made characterizing the conditions of poverty in a "black ghetto".

Philip Noel spends about half the year in Florida and half in Warwick, where he owns a marina and country club.

In 2011, Philip Noel was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame.