Michael J. Nowlan Sr.

Michael J. Nowlan Sr., of Clarksboro, NJ, formerly of Cherry Hill, NJ, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at the age of 99, surrounded by his loving family.

Michael was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary Catherine Nowlan (Genovesi), with whom he shared over 65 happy years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his parents, Philip Francis Nowlan and Theresa Junker Nowlan.

Michael was a devoted family man and is survived by his six children, 23 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was the loving father of Mary Ellen Kane (Matthew) of Deptford, NJ; Jeanne McPeak (John) of Mickleton, NJ; Michael J. Nowlan Jr. (Susan) of Clarksboro, NJ; Patricia White (Kevin) of Clarksboro, NJ; Thomas Nowlan (Christine) of Chester Springs, PA; and Robert Nowlan (Josephine) of Atco, NJ.

He is also survived by his 23 grandchildren: Theresa Yingling, Kelly Kane, Patrick Kane, John Andrew McPeak, Elisabeth Sato, Aimee Nishimura, Francie McPeak, Daniel McPeak, Sean Nowlan, Kathryn Hubbard, Daniel Nowlan, Patricia Reil, Timothy White, Sam White, Caitlin Narayan, Jaclyn Luciano, Luke Nowlan, Marcus Nowlan, Nicole Nowlan, Robert Nowlan, Thomas Nowlan, Maryann Nowlan, and Maggie Nowlan.

Michael is also survived by his 24 great-grandchildren: Gabriella, Jeanne, Maura, Leo, Max, Junko, Kai, Sasha, Juliet, Rylee, Mannix, Addy, Finn, Lyla, Michael, Shannon, Nikhil, Kian, Alice, Claire, Grace, Liam, Benjamin, and Payton. He was the dear brother of Terry Taylor, Helen McDevitt, Louise Nowlan, Phillip Nowlan, Mary Bevlock, Lawrence Nowlan, Father Patrick Nowlan, OSA, Joseph Nowlan, and John Nowlan; and brother-in-law of Robert Genovesi, Paul Genovesi, and Jean Jennings.

Michael was born in Bala Cynwyd, PA, on December 13, 1926. His early childhood was spent on the Main Line, with summers in Cape May with his parents and many siblings. His father, Philip, the creator and author of the historical sci-fi comic strip Buck Rogers, played an integral role in the family's early years and daily life, helping instill Michael's lifelong love of science and mathematics.

He attended St. Matthias Elementary School and St. Thomas More Boys High School. At age 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Gaurd becoming a radar specialist deployed to the Pacific as World War II was ending. After two years of service, he returned home and attended Villanova University, graduating in three years with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Michael began his professional career with RCA in Camden, New Jersey, and also worked within the company's Cherry Hill and Moorestown divisions. He later retired from RCA's Moorestown facility after 41 distinguished years, serving in a variety of engineering and management roles. During his tenure, he developed several patents related to stereographic equipment and subsequently served as a program manager, where he helped oversee the development of the U.S. Navy's Aegis System.

A man of deep faith and devotion to family, Michael was active in the Catholic community. He served on the Camden County Diocese Board of Education, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and was a lector at Queen of Heaven Parish in Cherry Hill, NJ, where he raised his family.

He shared a special bond with all of his grandchildren. An avid card player and photographer he enjoyed following Villanova Basketball and local sports teams. His warmth, kindness, and sense of humor touched everyone who knew him, and he will be dearly missed.

Viewing Saturday March 14th from 11 to 11:45am in Christ Our Light Church, 402 N. Kings Hwy, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.

Mass of Christian Burial Saturday 12pm. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill, NJ.