Michael NOLAN

NOLAN - Michael
December 6, 1936 - November 25, 2022 Mike Nolan, a popular sportscaster in Buffalo and Denver, died Friday, November 25, 2022 after a short illness in Santa Fe, NM. He was 85-years-old. Born Ralph Michael Nolan in Buffalo, NY, Mike was the son of Geraldine and Ralph Nolan. He graduated from Canisius High School. Mike then served four years in the U.S. Air Force. He enrolled in Michigan State University and was an avid Michigan State alumnus, fan, and booster the rest of his life. Mike began his early career in East Lansing, MI, and later moved to Grand Rapids where he called Michigan State football games on radio. He had a brief stint at WBEN Buffalo where he did play by play for Buffalo Bisons baseball. From 1969 to 1975 he was the main sports anchor at WGR-TV Buffalo. From 1975 to 1978, Mike was a weekend anchor at WLS-TV Chicago. After another brief period at WPLG in Miami he settled down in Denver. During his Denver career Mike worked for both KMGH-Channel 7 and KBTV/KUSA- Channel 9. He also did radio play-by-play for many college and professional teams, including Colorado State University, the University of Wyoming, the United States Air Force Academy, and the Denver Gold of the USFL. Mike was an "old-school" sportscaster with a wry sense of humor. He was a mentor to many young interns and reporters who went on to become some of the most successful in the business. Mike won many awards, including Colorado Sportscaster of the Year. He was very proud of a Broncos jersey given to him by former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan with the number "40" to mark his fortieth year in broadcasting. Mike retired to Santa Fe in 2006 and married in 2008. He enjoyed playing golf and lunching with new friends who shared his love of sports. Winters were spent in Scottsdale, AZ where he could walk each morning with his beloved dog, Teddy. Mike's greatest gift was the bonds he built among his children, who will keep his memory alive through laughter and great stories. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Phyllis Nolan (Sister Michael of the Sacred Heart); a sister-in-law, Karen Nolan; and a step-son, Steve Russell. Mike Nolan is survived by his wife, Dee Russell of Santa Fe; Sons: Mark (Stacy) Nolan and Peter (Dominique) Nolan of Denver, CO; Joseph (Stephanie) Nolan of Glen Allen, VA; daughter Amy (Sean) McGlynn of Powhatan, VA; and stepdaughter Leslie Khodjasarian of Shadow Hills, CA. He's also survived by his brother Peter Nolan; and six nieces and nephews: Christine (Marvin) Mazzucchelli and Mary Nolan of Glenview, IL, Cara (Todd) Lanscioni of Golf, IL, Patrick (Heidi) Nolan of Cedarburg, WI, Matthew (Trina) Nolan of Appleton, WI and Steve (Jennifer) Nolan of Glencoe, IL. Mike was also very proud of his three grandchildren: (Jack Nolan, Charlie Nolan, and Olivia Nolan); and his two step-grandchildren: (Ian and Lucia Khodjasarian). Mike is also survived by 15 grand-nieces and nephews. A memorial mass will be held on December 16 at 10 am at St. Anne's Parish in Santa Fe. An additional celebration of Mike's life will be held in Denver in January 2023, date and location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may by made to The USA East Province of the Society of Jesus, 39 East 83rd Street, New York, NY 10028, www.JesuitsEast.org, or New Mexico Wildlife Center, 19 Wheat Street, Espanola, NM, 87532
www.newmexicowildlife.org