Michael Nolan Obituary
Michael began his education at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School and continued through Glendale High School and Glendale Community College, before earning a degree in Chemistry from Northern Arizona University.
As a teenager, Michael worked at Dolly Madison cakes, cleaning trucks, working as a handyman, and even dressing up as Snoopy for events. After college, he worked as an armed guard in downtown Phoenix while on his job search. That path led him to Unidynamics, where he specialized as a powder chemist working with explosives.
Michael's career path later brought him to the Maricopa County Landfill, then the City of Phoenix Water Department. Eventually, he found his calling in workplace safety. Known affectionately as "Captain Safety," he was passionate about ensuring every employee had the knowledge and protection needed to return home safely. His motto was simple: everyone should go home "with all the parts they came in with."
A devoted Trekkie who lived by the Vulcan principle of IDIC-Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations-Michael also loved classic cinema, scuba diving, fencing, martial arts, and photography.
A Funeral Service will be held on August 11, 2025, at 5:30 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 9728 W. Palmeras Dr., Sun City. A reception will follow in the church hall.
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12 Entries
Don Brazie
Yesterday
Kelly, may the Lord bless you and the family and grant you peace.
I have known Mike almost 50 years, from Dolly Madison, Newman Center, Glendale college, NAU and beyond. The trouble and fun we had and got into. You were a true friend and will be missed by many.
Jill
July 26, 2025
Mike was a great guy who loved my friend Kelly, her daughter Megan and he took on her sons as his grandsons. I was always so happy that Kelly had found the love of her life. They always had great adventures. I know he will be sorely missed.
Kelly Nolan
July 26, 2025
I met Mikey the first week of school at NAU. We met at the Newman Center and were part of a great group of friends. Mikey and I stayed in touch over the years, and finally reconnected. We married in 2013, and he was a wonderful addition to my family. We loved going out and trying new restaurants, theater, movies, and attending events for the grandchildren. He was a wonderful husband, always a kind word and supportive of what I was doing. I joined him in attending Star Trek conventions and had a wonderful time meeting his friends and making new ones. I am thankful for the time we spent together and will miss him greatly.
Theresa Damiani
July 25, 2025
Kelly and family, I was so sad to hear of Mike's passing. I have known him since he was in grade school at OLPH, was in my brother Kenny's and sister Barbara's class. Then years later, we spent time together at the Newman Center at Glendale and Phoenix College and then later he worked at the City of Phoenix, and I would run into him in the cafeteria or City functions. Mike was also a great photographer. He took pictures at our last Newman Center Reunion. He had a good heart. He was so happy to be with Kelly and they brought the best out in each other. She enjoyed his good mind and Star Trek things. I remember him telling me how happy he was to have her in his life. I know you are at peace and we will see you again one day. Rest in peace.
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Shari Lange
July 25, 2025
I worked with Michael at 23rd Ave WWTP, and have fawn memories of working with him and he was always willing to help out with any questions about safety in the lab and keeping us safe at work every day. He taught me a lot about safety. I enjoyed hearing about his Star Trek adventures, about his wife, kids & grandkids. He was full of knowledge & did everything with a smile. Captain Safety will be missed. My sympathy goes out to his family, may the Lord comfort your hearts during this hard time.
Daniel Peterson
July 25, 2025
I remember some fun times when we were all in scouts. RIP Michael...you will be dearly missed.
Rhonda Nolan
July 25, 2025
Kelly my heart breaks for you, Mike was truly a special one of a kind man and you brought out the best in him. You are in our thoughts and our prayers as you go though this tough time.
Edward Hyden
July 25, 2025
Captain Safety! He was one of kind. I was one of chemist along with him in the wastewater´s process group at the 91st WWTP. Worked with him for over 10 years in the lab and then while he became the safety guru for the whole water services. He was captain safety, but in the lab, he was the captain of puns also, along with fellow chemist Gary Blatchford and lab tech Frank Albanese. We worked under our boss Pat Wokulick. As far as I know, only Frank and I are left. We had a super group, each one with a specialty that helped treat the wastewater of the city of Phoenix, and most of the other cities in the metro Phoenix. I´m sure Captain Safety will be missed. The thing that struck me about Mikey was how he loved teaching-training about safety And how he always talked about his "kids and grandkids", who came along with his marriage to Kelly.
My name is Ed Hyden, the microbiologist of the group. Mikey used to call me doctor Bugs.
Debbie Burke Grunwald
July 25, 2025
Kelly, I am so sorry. Mikey was one of a kind and I am so thankful I had the privilege of attending the Star Trek conventions and hanging out with him for the whole thing each year. His humor and laughter made each con even more memorable. He is definitely missed.
All my love, Deb
Janice
July 24, 2025
Mike was such an extroynary person. We grew up together, him and and his brothers were like brothers to me. We played "Lost in Place". This was way before any Star Trek or Star Wars. I have many loving feelings for him and the others. I am so happy we got to know each other his entire lifetime. He will be greatly missed. Love you Michael.
Linda Williams
July 24, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Regina Sosnicki-Lucy
July 24, 2025
Michael's 8th grade graduating class from OLPH.
Sending blessings as you soar with the angels.
Much love from your "Gigit".
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