John Joseph Nolan

Heaven just got a little louder, a little warmer, and a whole lot more Irish.

John Joseph Nolan, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and master storyteller, passed away on August 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. John was born January 9, 1945 to Irish immigrants, Edward Nolan and Mary Josephine Reilly, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. He graduated from St. Peter's College (Jersey City, NJ) in 1967. John's parents gave him a love of their adopted country and a deep Catholic faith. He was destined to serve this country.

John served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador for four years. In 1971, he joined the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (which became Drug Enforcement Administration), and served as an agent for 29 years. He started his successful career in the New York Field Division and enjoyed a great reputation as a team player and an agent who would go out of his way to help other agents at any time.

In 1971, he met his future wife Ronnie, the love of his life and best friend. They were married shortly after. She was his real partner in every way and he continuously said in his final days how in love he was, how lucky he was and how in awe he continued to be of Ronnie.

In 1979, he was transferred to the Newark Field Division, to the infamous Group 61. He was known for providing mentorship and personal guidance when needed most and was fondly called "Father John" as a result.



NYC is where he learned the job, Newark is where he fell in love with the job, and Detroit was where he shared that love by training the next generation of agents. From 1987- 1991, John served as a supervisor in Detroit. He was transferred to Headquarters (DC) where he was assigned until his retirement in 2000, as a GS 15. After retirement, he worked for several years as a contractor at NDIC, the State Department and the FBI Counter Terrorism Watch Center.



Although John received many accolades and awards throughout his BNDD/DEA career, nothing was more important to him than his dedication to his family. John is preceded in death by his loving parents, Edward and Mary, as well as the best mother-in-law anyone could ask for, Winifred Minogh. John is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Ronnie, older brother Edward (retired DEA), brother-in-law James Minogh, family matriarch Maureen Marino. Daughters Veronica (Kareem El- Alaily), Maryann, Kathleen, and Trish (Dr. Amit Datta). Grandchildren Aiden, Edward, Thomas, Rose, and John. Derek House and Trey House, to whom John considered as the sons he was lucky to have later in life.

John had a gift for making friends everywhere he went-whether in the grocery store line, at church, or halfway around the world. He never met a stranger, only people he hadn't had the chance to share a story with yet. A man of deep faith and quick brilliant wit, he was equally known for his kindness as he was for his legendary storytelling skills.

Though we will miss his warm laugh, bear hugs, and twinkling eyes, we take comfort knowing he's now at peace, telling stories to deceased loved ones, and to new friends - probably over a pint. Sláinte, Pops. We'll keep your tales alive and your faith close to our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish to make a memorial contribution in honor of John Nolan, donations may be made to the DEA Survivors Benefit Fund. Your generosity will help support the families of fallen heroes.

To donate, please visit: survivorsbenefitfund.org