Robert Daniel Nolan

Dr. Dan Nolan, 76, died Jan. 9, 2015 with family by his side. His heroic and long battle with recurring cancer was fought with grace and quiet determination. He leaves a legacy which involves a successful 40-year educational career in the Manatee County School District. Born in Rawlins, Wyoming, to the late Michael H. and Thelma M. Nolan, he spent his youth in the nearby city of Sinclair, moving with family to St. Louis. He attended undergraduate school at St. Louis University. Further degrees were earned at the University of Florida and Nova University. His professional career in Manatee County started as a teacher at the then newly-built Southeast High School. He was the first faculty advisor for the first student council and he helped originate the Southeast Golden Feather Award. Further positions attained in his career include Administrator/ Dean at Walker Junior High (now part of Manatee High School); District Supervisor of Language Arts; Principal of Palma Sola Elementary School; Assistant Superintendent of District Curriculum; and Superintendent of Manatee County Schools. During the first years of the federal court order which asked for realignment of Manatee County Schools boundaries and the ensuing shift of students to meet desegregation guidelines, Dr. Nolan was asked by the district to personally work with the affected schools. He was welcomed by all stakeholders during this tumultuous period, and his open approach and sincere desire to help was contagious, contributing to a more successful transition. In the year 2000, after a national search, the School Board of Manatee County called Dr. Nolan back from retirement and appointed him to the position of Superintendent of the Manatee County School District. Dr. Nolan was well-known in the state and he was respected for his knowledge and depth of experience in all aspects of his profession. The ability to communicate in both verbal and written manner and his genuine respect for the other person's ideas and input made him continually in demand as a consultant in the field of education. He was a calm, spontaneous and natural problem-solver in his field. He recognized the need to open the door and utilize the emerging technology in school administration and classroom. It was tangible evidence of his visionary outlook. His involvement and successes facilitated membership in many school and community organizations. He had cumulative 38 years' membership in Bradenton Rotary and was President of West Bradenton Rotary. He also was the recipient of the prestigious PAUL HARRIS Fellow; President of Meals on Wheels; Chairman of the United Way fund drive; Member of Manatee Chamber of Commerce; Manatee County Art League President; Ringling Museum Board of Directors; United Way Board of Directors; Florida Department Master Trainer; Florida Music Teachers Association Administrator of the year; Speaker At National Staff Development Council; Florida Council of Teachers of English; Who's Who in the South; Outstanding Educators in America; Speaker at National Council of Teachers of English Conference; University of Florida Honor Society (Phi Kappa Phi); and Manatee County Schools Teacher Of the Year. Dr. Nolan was predeceased by three brothers and is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn McClure Nolan of Bradenton; sister-in-law, Margaret McClure Favero, Clearwater, FL. He is also survived by two sisters: Marianne Blue (Judge John), Parrish, FL; Helen Rubrecht, Fort Wayne ,IN; nephew, Tom Nolan (Liz), Bradenton, FL; nieces Meredith Torkelson (Ron), Bradenton, FL; Jackie Blue, Bradenton FL; Diane Lang (Doug), Palmetto FL; and Amy Cariello (Mike), Tampa, FL. He is also survived by two beloved, faithful Yorkies, Bonnie and Dolci. There is extended family in Arizona, Georgia and Indiana. The family will receive friends from 4:30 to 6:30 PM on Friday, Jan.16, 2015 at Shannon Funeral Home Westview. Chapel, 5610 Manatee Avenue W., Bradenton. A celebration of life will be held at 11AM on Saturday, Jan.17, 2015 at Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Avenue W., Bradenton. Interment will follow at Fogartyville Cemetery, Bradenton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to: an animal rescue and adoption agency of your choice; Meals on Wheels; or the Dan Nolan Middle School, 6615 Greenbrook Blvd., Bradenton, FL. 34202(Dan Nolan Memorial Fund). Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.