FRANCIS J. NOLAN

FRANCIS J. NOLAN - MENDON - Francis J. Nolan died in the Rutland Regional Medical Center after a seven year struggle with Parkinson's. He was born Feb. 7, 1925, in Burlington, the son of James Emmett and Catherine (Cannon) Nolan. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1942, and attended St. Michael's College in Colchester. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-46, and graduated from St. Michael's College in 1948. He managed the St. Michael's College Bookstore, where he met Gertrude Thabault. Frank and Gert were married June 24, 1950, and celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary this year. Frank was a 35 year employee of the Internal Revenue Service, working with and helping businesses in the southern Vermont territory. After retirement, he and Gert wintered in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. and shared the winters with great friends for many years. He was an avid walker and a sports enthusiast, rarely missing a Red Sox, N.Y. Giants or Celtics game. He was passionate about coaching the Rutland Knights of Columbus Little League team for 23 years, leading the team to many championships. Frank was a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council # 232 and a member of the American Legion Post 31, the Elks Lodge no. 345, the VFW no. 648, and the Eagles. Frank was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish for 60 years, and was a professional Irish Tenor singer at the daily morning mass, as well as parish ceremonies for many years. He was a regular usher and altar server. He served on the school board of Mount St. Joseph Academy, and the IHM Parish Council. Frank is survived by five children and their families, Peter and Dawn Nolan of Placerville, Calif. and their children, Marie Liston (Tim), Capt. James Nolan (USAF) and Bridget Nolan; Mary and Roy Layn of Rutland; Kathleen Nolan and Richard Conley of Bronx, N.Y. and their children, Brendan and Michelle Conley; Chris and Laurie Nolan of Pittsford and their children, Brenna and Alexandra Nolan; and Brian and Jill Maynard Nolan of Pittsford and their children, Margo and Isabelle Nolan. Great-grandchildren are Caleb and Emmett Liston of Cameron Park, Calif. Calling hours for Frank will be held at the Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Rutland at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011, with burial following in the St. Joseph cemetery. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Maclure Library or the Paramount Theatre.