Gerald 'Jerry' J. Nolan
Gerald 'Jerry' J. Nolan, 86, husband of 60 years of the late Janet Cote Nolan, passed away May 25, 2015 at his home surrounded by his three sons. He was a lifelong resident of Hamden, CT born June 11, 1928, son of the late Christopher and Helen Fitzgerald Nolan. Loving father of Mark (Mimi) Nolan of Waukesha, WI, Scott (Judy) Nolan of Middleton, WI and Craig Nolan (Jackie Baugher) of New Britain, CT. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 5 great- grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister, Marjorie N. Dowling (Robert). Jerry earned B.S. and M.S degrees from what is now Central CT State University and also earned a 6th year degree in administration from Southern CT State University. Jerry's 36 year career with the Hamden Board of Education included 17 years as an Industrial Arts Teacher, 19 years as the Director of Adult Education and also served as Faculty advisor for the Hamden High School class of 1959 and was varsity tennis coach for many years. Jerry served in the U.S. Army for 2 years at the Aberdeen Proving Ground where he attained the rank of Sergeant. Jerry supported his community and profession by participating in the Hamden Federation of teachers for 12 years, 6 years as President; The CT Association of Public School Adult Education for 18 years including 2 years as President; life and charter member of the West Woods Volunteer Fire Co. #9, president for 8 years; Hamden Planning and Zoning Commission 9 years; Founding member of St. Joan of Arc Church serving as a Lector for 25 yrs. and Parish Council for 10 years; most recently Jerry was an advocate for Alzheimer patients and caregivers as a Volunteer at the Clelian Adult Day Center, Hamden CT as well moderating multiple support groups. Jerry and Janet enjoyed the many winters they spent in Florida and cherished the friends they made during their travels each year. Friends may attend his funeral on Saturday May 30th at 10:00 am from Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, followed by his Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 AM in St. Joan of Arc Church, 450 West Todd St, Hamden. Friends may also visit with his family at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Interment with Military Honors will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hamden. Contributions in his memory may be sent to the Clelian Center, 261 Benham St., Hamden, CT 06514 or to the Alzheimer's Assoc. of CT, 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 100, Rocky Hill, CT 06067.
I feel so blessed to have had Jerry Nolan in my life, if only for a short time as he volunteered at Clelian Center. He brought so much light and love to the center. His gentle ways shone through as he talked adoringly of his beloved wife Janet. He did everything he could to encourage Alzheimer’s caregivers in the Clelian Center community. He was always interested in my education, asking how much time I had left in my program. He told me that I made the world a better place. Our world was better because he was in it. He will be missed.
I met Jerry at a support group meeting. He spoke of a walk on the grounds of Sacred Heart he had taken with his wife Janet. He described how he loved to enjoy simple moments with her. I will never forget his words.
He sat with my father and I at the last Clelian fundraiser. I reminded him of those words and thanked him for showing me the goal I should strive to achieve. Not being overwhelmed by the caregiving to miss the good moments.
Rest in peace Jerry Nolan, you touched people with your kindness.
My deepest sympathy to Jerry’s family. I had the pleasure of knowing Jerry through our support group.
He was such a kind, gentle man who we all knew was the best caregiver he could possibly be to his wife, Janet. I shall miss him at our meetings and will be praying for him and his family. He is now at peace with our Lord.
I met Mr Nolan my senior year of high school (class of 73). He was tough on me and I shed more than a few tears but he made me a better, stronger person. We remained in contact thru the years, we would visit when he and Jan came to Florida. I told him on one of our visits that if I had met him sooner I would have gone in a different direction. Unlike most of my teachers throughout the years he didn’t let me get away with anything. I thank him for that and he will always be a part of me.
It is a sad day.
Sandy Barnes
Florida
I was saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing. He hired me at Hamden Adult Education over 25 years ago. He was a kind and wonderful man. On the day I interviewed for the position, my car was making a funny noise, but I had to get to Hamden High School so I drove there anyway. I mentioned it to Jerry in the course of my interview, and as soon as the interview was over, he drove me to Sears to get some oil for my car and he put it in. That is the kind of man he was. A caring and special person who was always there to help someone in need. He helped many young people achieve their dream of a better education, and with a smile on his face, he was a friend to many He will be missed.
Today is a day of sadness and joy. Seems odd to say that but I’m sure Mr Nolan is happy to join his bride again. Although he will miss his family and friends, he had a full life and was blessed to see his children and some of his grandchildren become successful adults, participating in many memorable moments.
I am grateful to have experienced his patient teaching manner and to have been introduced to his son Mark and Mark’s children. Mr Nolan’s kind and gentle nature was extended to his children and grandchildren. I’m grateful to have them in my life even if it is from a far.
He will be missed by all who crossed path’s with his, but remember, he will be with you always just from a different perspective.
Rest in peace Mr Nolan.
Debbie
My deepest sympathy to Jerry’s family. I had the pleasure of knowing Jerry through a support group
I shall miss him at our meetings.
My prayers for his family.