Joseph Michael Nolan,75, of Holyoke, formerly of South Hadley, passed away peacefully at home on June 26th after a brief illness with his loving family by his side. He was born on October 7, 1948 in Springfield, MA to the late Bernard and Freida Nolan. Joe grew up in Chicopee, graduating in 1967 from Chicopee High School where he played and excelled in football achieving many awards during his 4 years. He was inducted in the Chicopee High School Hall of Fame in 2015. He went on to play at Butler College and later switched to Rugby playing for the original Springfield Rifles, Springfield Old Boys and Connecticut Greys until he was 55. He continued to be a huge fan of the Springfield team until his passing. He was also an avid fan of all New England sports, especially the New England Patriots. His love of sports extended to golf and lacrosse, especially playing with "his boys" Ryan and Chris and his many friends over the years. He treasured the memories of playing Pebble Beach and especially loved sitting on the patio of Spanish Bay with a glass of wine enjoying the bagpipes at the end of a round with good friends. Never known for being pretentious, he would have preferred his go to "Black Box" if allowed.

Joe worked for over 40 years as a manufacturer's representative and regional sales manager for construction and safety products in the New England area while raising his family. His joy for life had no bounds . His favorite places on earth had a lot of sand and beautiful waves. His love for the ocean was only surpassed by his love for family. Joe leaves his beloved wife of 52 years, Kathleen (Fujczak)Nolan, his cherished sons and adored daughter-in-law Ryan and Katie Nolan of Belchertown and Christopher Nolan of Holyoke as well as "his little girls" granddaughters Emma Grace and Tessa Marie Nolan who lovingly called him Papa. He will also be missed by sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mary and Mark Richter (who he called brother) of South Hadley and nieces and nephew Sarah Murphy, Jillian LaBonte and Nolan Richter as well as many cousins and friends.

Services for Joe will be held at O'Brien Family Funeral Home in South Hadley on Tuesday July 9th. Calling hours will be held from 10:30 am to 12 pm. A celebration of life service will take place at 12 pm. Burial to follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a Children's Charity of your choice, including the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate), which held special importance to Joe and his family. For more information please visit obrienfamilyfh.com.