Matthew Wayne Nolan

Matthew Wayne Nolan (54) passed away peacefully on Friday November 12, 2021. Born in Newtown Square, PA, he was the seventh of eight children. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Buttonwood Farm in Birchrunville, PA. Here he would build great memories with family, friends and cousins. Many cousins still reflect playing flashlight tag in the cornfields and building forts out of hay bales. The farm manager at the time, Mr. Chet Raught, declared Matt “Mayor of Buttonwood Farm” for his willingness to take charge of all things fun the farm had to offer. At the age of nine, the family moved to Sarasota, FL where he lived the rest of his life.

In 1981, at the age of 14, Matt was diagnosed with adult onset leukemia and given a very short time to live. His parents moved to Baltimore, MD for five months while he underwent aggressive treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He survived many experimental treatments including a bone marrow transplant, which was very new to medical regiment at the time. While going through treatment, Matt was an inspiration for the other kids on the floor. Matt would make sure all of the other kids would get out of bed and walk their laps around the floor. Despite being administered last rights three times, battling numerous adverse side effects, he returned to Sarasota in May of 1982 where he continued to defy his prognosis.

Upon returning to Sarasota, he could not be exposed to sunlight for a year while his body healed and became stronger. Even though he was home, he was still not strong enough to attend school nor could he be in crowds due to his compromised immune system. Once he felt stronger, he began to spend his time indoors catching up on school and working to eventually complete his high school education. Later he would go on to become Certified Message Therapist and also able to complete his Certification as Nursing Assistant.

Matt built numerous longtime friendships with many people. He was always happy and upbeat during everything he endured. Matt enjoyed being with others, loved his dogs Zeke and Xavier, and taking care of many other furry critters while driving for doggie daycare. He was effortlessly a positive part of everyone’s life he touched.

Matt was a dedicated member of the management team of Clean Sweep Parking Lot Maintenance for many years. He took great pride in his work creating safe and clean environments for people to enjoy.

Matthew is preceded in death by his father, Robert W. Nolan.

He is survived by his mother Mary Elizabeth Nolan Garapola, stepfather Robert S. Garapola, brothers David (Marti), Rob (Sharon), Steve (Kathy), Michael (Beth) and three sisters Jeannette (Roger) Ierardi, Mary Bett, Grace (David) Ayres, numerous nieces, nephews and over 50 first cousins.

The immediate family will hold a private service and a celebration of life is being planned in the spring of 2022.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society @ givenow.lls.org or the Humane Society of Sarasota County @hssc.org Give.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com for the NOLAN family.