Patrick J. Noonan, 53, Phila. newspaper executive

Patrick J. Noonan, 53, of Broomall, an executive of Philadelphia Newspapers L.L.C., died of complications from lung cancer Monday at his home.

In 2007, Mr. Noonan became treasurer of Philadelphia Newspapers, owner of The Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News. He previously was a vice president of various departments as well as controller. He began his career with the newspapers in 1989 as assistant controller.

He liked working with numbers and loved his coworkers, his wife, Roseann Robertson Noonan, said.

"He was very loyal and diligent, and was a mentor to me," said Andy Harrison, vice president for finance for Philadelphia Newspapers and a colleague of Mr. Noonan's for 20 years.

Mr. Noonan grew up in Ridley Park and graduated from St. James High School in Chester. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Drexel University in 1978 and the next year became a certified public accountant. He was an accountant for Stockton Bates in Philadelphia, and later for UGI and for AmeriGas in Valley Forge before going to work for Philadelphia Newspapers.

He and his wife were married in 1979 and have five children. He coached basketball and baseball for Catholic Youth Organization teams at St. Pius X Church in Broomall.

He enjoyed spending time with his family at a summer home in Ocean City, N.J.; studying real estate trends; and tackling home improvement projects, his wife said. He was there for anybody who needed help, she said.

In October 2004, Mr. Noonan was diagnosed with a late stage non-small-cell lung cancer. Initially he responded well to chemotherapy treatment, but in June 2007 the cancer spread to his brain. He had radiation and surgeries with debilitating complications, his wife said.

"I admired the way he faced his cancer. He never complained, even when it was obvious he was having a bad day or not feeling well," said Barbara Sadler, director of accounting at Philadelphia Newspapers. Harrison said that after Mr. Noonan went on disability last summer, he kept in touch by e-mail and was always willing to help.

"He had a very strong faith and said he could carry his cross as long as Christ helped him carry it," his wife said.

When friends sold armbands printed with "Prayers for Pat," she said, he told them he would keep the prayers, but donated the proceeds to Fox Chase Cancer Center to furnish an apartment for out-of-town patients who needed a place to stay.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Noonan is survived by sons Patrick T. and Sean; daughters Kathryn, Regina, and Victoria; a brother; and a sister.

Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square. A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Pius X Church, 220 Lawrence Rd., Broomall. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.

Memorial donations may be made to Wissahickon Hospice, Attn. Needy Patient Fund, 150 Monument Ave., Bala Cynwyd, Pa. 19004.