David Michael Nolan

David Michael Nolan, 83, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away Nov. 8, 2008, in Palm Harbor, Fla.
He was born in 1925 in Springfield, Mass., to the late David M. and Mary R. (Cavario) Nolan.
David's greatest joy was being with family and friends, and he will be sadly missed by the love of his life, Frances R. Nolan, his wife of 59 years; his two daughters, to whom he taught the importance of family values, Kathleen Jasmin of Oldsmar, Fla., and Carolyn Wilmar and husband Gregory of North Stonington; three grandchildren, whom he adored and spoiled at every opportunity, Justin Wilmar and wife Monique of Westerly, Jennifer Jasmin of New Port Richey, Fla., and Michael Jasmin and his fiancé, Kristin Ferency of Newport; and four great-grandchildren, who fondly called him "Old Grand Dad," Shelby, Connor, Hannah and Liam Wilmar of Westerly. He also leaves behind his sister, Barbara Donnachie and her husband Edward (whom he thought of as a brother) of Southwick, Mass.; nephew, Edward Donnachie and his wife Beverly of Westfield, Mass.; two great-nephews, Michael and Jason Donnachie; and last - but certainly not least - his two beloved cocker-spaniels, "Danny Boy" and "Molly Malone."
David's life philosophy was always set goals - work hard - never give up. His legacy is long and rich. He proudly served in World War II as a glider engineer and in the Air Sea Rescue Service. Once out of the service, he graduated from Amherst College, Northeastern University and the American Institute of Banking. He was a Certified Public Accountant and spent his entire career spanning 44 years in the banking industry. The many banks he helped to implement and grow included Springfield National Bank, Hampshire National Bank, New England Bank and Trust, and Norwich State Bank. Upon his retirement, he was the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Westerly Savings Bank. He was well admired, a leader in the banking industry, and his advice was widely sought by the banking community. He was the past president of the Bank Administration Institute for the State of Connecticut, past director of the American Institute of Banking, and member of its executive board.
David's commitment to the community was as strong as his work ethic. His many volunteer activities include Life Member of the Elks, past chairman of the Springfield Ward Five Republican Committee, past chairman Springfield Personnel Policy Board, past board member Connecticut United Way, past board member Board of Norwich, Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the executive board of Backus Hospital, Norwich, Conn., where he chaired the Investment Committee, Employee Pension Investments, and the Financial Committee. He served as the corporator of The Westerly Hospital, in Westerly.
At the spry age of 79, David and his wife Francis relocated to Palm Harbor, Fla., where he was an avid photographer, rose enthusiast, and enjoyed boating and fishing where he was proud to earn his boating license from the Coast Guard at the age of 81.
David Nolan was an inspiration and a source of strength to his family and friends. His love created a strong family, and he taught a hard work ethic and a passion for life to everyone he met. He lived his life in the love of his family and will be greatly missed.
A visiting hour will be held Thursday, Nov. 13, from 11:30 to 12:30 at Gaffney Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. Graveside services to follow at 1 p.m. in River Bend Cemetery, 117 Beach St., Westerly.