John E. Nolan Jr., 90, a lifelong Nashua resident and well-known and respected businessman, passed away Monday evening, August 8, 2016 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH after a period of declining health.
The son of the late John E. and Florida M. (Bernier) Nolan, he was born in Nashua on May 1, 1926. John attended Sacred Heart School and later graduated from Nashua High School with the Class of 1944. During World War II, Mr. Nolan served with the Navy in the Pacific Theater as a Radioman aboard the USS Norton Sound. After the war, he furthered his education at Bryant College earning a Bachelor’s degree in business in 1950.
In the 1950’s, John began his career in the moving business with his friend and partner T. Edward Sullivan of the former Sullivan Moving and Storage. In 1974, Mr. Nolan founded Able Moving and Storage Company where he worked with his son John E. Nolan III for many years.
John was a life member of Nashua Lodge of Elks #720, the American Legion, James E. Coffey Post #3 and was a Paul Harris Fellow awarded from the Rotary Club of Nashua West. In his leisure time, John enjoyed playing cribbage, having lunch with friends, researching his ancestry, playing golf and carpentry. He was also a proud and devout Boston sports fan.
A devoted family man, John loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a man of great faith and integrity always willing to lend a hand to family and friends whenever needed. John was honest, kind and humble in his business ventures and was well respected and admired by the community.
John’s family includes his loving wife of 61 years, Alice L. (Barsanti) Nolan, whom he married on May 14, 1955; his children, John E. Nolan III and his wife Kim of Amherst, Kathleen Sidilau and her husband Dana of Hudson, and Thomas Gregory Nolan, who died in infancy; three grandchildren, Gregory Nolan and his wife Molly, Kelly Janco and her husband Stephen, and Matthew Sidilau; three great-grandchildren, Ryan and Kate Janco, and Mia Nolan; his sister, Mary L. Sargent of Hudson; and three nieces, Nancy Plourde, Susan Richard and Brenda Ball.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staffs of Home Health & Hospice and the Community Hospice House for their care and kindness to John.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, Saturday at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. Friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com
