William J. "Billy" Nolan

William J. "Billy" Nolan obituary, Billerica, MA

William J. "Billy" Nolan

Upcoming Events

Feb

22

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home

66 Concord Road, Billerica, MA 01821

Send FlowersBook nearby hotels

Feb

23

Service

12:30 p.m.

Fox Hill Cemetery

130 Andover Rd., Billerica, MA 01821

Send FlowersBook nearby hotels

Services provided by

Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home

Only 2 days left for delivery to next service.

William Nolan Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home on Feb. 19, 2026.
William J. "Billy" Nolan, age 67, beloved husband of Pamela F. (Maffeo) Nolan, died Tuesday at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington after a brief illness with his family by his side.

He was born in Malden on March 4, 1958, a son of the late Walter M. and Norma R. (Jensen) Nolan. He lived in Malden and Medford before moving to Billerica in 1999.

Billy graduated from Malden Catholic High School and then proudly served in the U.S. Navy for four years, including time aboard the USS John F. Kennedy, before beginning a 35-year career as a conductor for Amtrak.

He was a member of the Billerica Lodge of Elks, the VFW Solomon Post, and the Malden Irish American Club.

Billy embraced life with energy and enthusiasm and was truly the life of the party, bringing laughter and light into any room he entered. He loved traveling, belting out karaoke tunes, decorating for the holidays, and spending time with his pets. Above all else, he cherished every moment with his family and friends, especially the time he spent with his treasured grandson, who brought him endless pride and joy.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Olivia Maffeo; William J. Nolan Jr. and his companion, Leeanne Vala; and Shauna Nolan and her companion, Tim Hamilton, all of Billerica; his beloved grandson, Jackson Cole MacDonald; his siblings, Andrea MacDonald and her husband, Daniel, of Tewksbury, and Mark Nolan and his wife, Maria, of South Yarmouth; and his sister-in-law, Paula Biagioni, of Medford; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica, from 1–4 p.m. A graveside service will be held Monday at Fox Hill Cemetery, 130 Andover Rd., Billerica, at 12:30 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the MSPCA at www.mspca.org (http://www.mspca.org/).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support William's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor William Nolan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Feb

22

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home

66 Concord Road, Billerica, MA 01821

Send FlowersBook nearby hotels

Feb

23

Service

12:30 p.m.

Fox Hill Cemetery

130 Andover Rd., Billerica, MA 01821

Send FlowersBook nearby hotels

Services provided by

Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home

Only 2 days left for delivery to next service.