$75 million gift to medical center from Dr. Joan Noble honors the legacy of her late son, Dr. Douglas M. Noble, a respected neuroradiologist
In a powerful testament to enduring generosity and the deep bonds of family, Dr. Joan Noble has made one of the largest charitable donations in New Jersey healthcare history—a $75 million gift to Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck.
The donation, made through the Douglas M. Noble Family Foundation, is believed to be the largest ever to a Catholic hospital in the United States and the second-largest ever given to any hospital in New Jersey.
The gift honors the legacy of Dr. Noble’s late son, Dr. Douglas M. Noble, a respected North Jersey neuroradiologist who passed away in 2019 at the age of 58.
Though he had no formal connection to Holy Name during his life, the hospital’s values, faith-based mission, and community commitment resonated deeply with his mother, who has overseen the foundation since his passing.
She chose Holy Name as the institution where the foundation’s principal assets—much of it accrued through her son’s stock market investments—could have lasting, mission-driven impact.
“This isn’t coming from generational wealth or from a Fortune 500 CEO,” said Holy Name President and CEO Michael Maron.
“This came from the mother of a humble radiologist who devoted his life to his practice and made a killing from investing as a hobby. And Dr. Joan Noble decided to honor her son’s life not with monuments, but with impact.”
Though her philanthropy has often flown under the radar, Dr. Noble has quietly supported a range of New Jersey institutions over the years, including Morristown Medical Center, Newton Medical Center, Hackettstown Medical Center, Bergen Catholic High School, and Centenary University.
Holy Name has already received more than $1 million in recent years from the Noble Foundation, including funding for a new neonatal intensive care unit.
The $75 million gift comes as Holy Name embarks on a decade-long expansion that includes seven new buildings, upgraded medical technology, expanded services, and a growing roster of specialized physicians.
Among the most immediate beneficiaries will be the hospital’s Neuroendovascular Institute, which focuses on advanced treatment of brain and spinal cord conditions.
“This gift will be the seed money to kick off a transformation that will touch every corner of our medical center,” said Maron.
“It’s about hiring world-class doctors, expanding our research and care, and building for the next century.”
Although there are no plans to rename the hospital, the Noble family name will be prominently featured throughout the new facilities.
More than anything, Maron said, the donation reflects the deep values and quiet strength of a woman determined to ensure that her son’s life—and his life’s work—continue to heal others.
“This is not just a financial gift,” Maron added.
“It’s an act of deep human generosity. Dr. Noble has chosen to turn personal loss into community healing. It’s one of the most moving gestures I’ve witnessed in my career.”
As Holy Name marks its 100th anniversary, the donation marks a defining moment in its history—and a profound legacy of care, compassion, and vision made possible by one extraordinary act of philanthropy.