Obituary of Thomas J. Nolan

In Loving Memory of Thomas J. Nolan (April 3, 1947 - August 11, 2023) Thomas J. Nolan, a cherished husband, step-father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 11, 2023 at the age of 76. Born on April 3, 1947, in the city of New York, NY, Tom lived a life filled with love, laughter, and meaningful connections. At the young age of 12, Tom’s parents, Joseph and Eleanor Nolan, decided to move their family to Staten Island. That’s where Tom (“Tommy” or “T,” as his friends called him) attended St. Peter’s High School, where he met many of his lifelong friends. He went on to collect a group of close friends who stayed in each other’s lives for decades. In 2003, Tom embarked on a beautiful journey of love and companionship when he married the love of his life, Linda. They met at work and surprised their colleagues when, seemingly out of the blue, they announced their engagement. Their bond was a testament to the power of love, trust, and unwavering support. Together, they built a life based on shared dreams, mutual respect, and a deep connection that served as an inspiration to all who knew them. Professionally, Tom was a purchasing agent in the industrial plumbing industry, with a career spanning over 40 years until his retirement in 2012. Outside of his professional life, Tom had a passion for golf, swimming, chess and pinochle at the local YMCA, and listening to music. His trivia knowledge was unparalleled because he lived such a rich life: his childhood was shaped by a unique slice of New York history, he was at Woodstock in 1969, and he traveled countrywide with friends playing golf. Tom didn’t have a single mean thought – unless he was watching some other team play against his NY Mets or NY Jets. He didn’t sing – unless he was wooing Linda or singing Irish lullabies to his grandkids. He didn’t miss a chance to dance – ever. He was a man of many talents and had a heart full of compassion. He loved his wife, his adopted family, and everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. With a smile that could light up a room and a sense of humor that could bring joy to any occasion, Tom had an unparalleled ability to make people feel at ease and cherished. Tom lived life never losing his sense of humor. Tom will be lovingly remembered by his wife Linda, his three step-children and their spouses, Cosmo and his wife Anna Maria, Michael and his wife Shumita, and Cristina, his four grandchildren, Gianluca, Isabella, Giuliana, and Nina, his brother Joseph and his wife Dorothy, his sister Eleanor and her husband Charlie, and a wide circle of extended family members and lifetime friends. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and empathy will forever be etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. A visitation will be held on August 15 and 16, 2023 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Matthew Funeral Home on Victory Boulevard in Staten Island. Mass to follow on Thursday, August 17, at 11am at Blessed Sacrament Church in Staten Island. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate) or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org/ways-to-give), as Tom had a deep commitment to these missions. Tom's spirit will continue to shine bright through the memories he created, the lives he touched, and the love he shared. As we say goodbye to a beloved husband, father, and friend, we take solace in knowing that his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. As he always told his grandchildren: “If you don’t eat yer meat, you can’t have any pudding!” – Pink Floyd