Nolan L. Santy

Nolan was born in North Haverhill Hospital on April 9, 1937. He was the eldest son of Littleton’s former long-time town clerk, the late Clifford and Thelma Santy neé Demeritt. Nolan graduated from Littleton High School in 1955. He was Halfback on LHS’s undefeated and ONLY state class champion football team in 1954. He was selected for All-State halfback and pitched a No-Hitter baseball game for LHS during his senior year.

Nolan attended UNH where he was a member of ROTC and studied forestry. After UNH, Nolan moved to Chester for work. Nolan was the Head Gunsmith at Riley’s Guns in Hooksett for years.

Nolan served our country in NH National Guard, 3643rd Maintenance Company: FWD DS: He served from 1973 until 1981; Soldier of the Year in 1976. He was Warrant Officer, Head of Armament section. Nolan was the leader in their national match .45 team and National match M-14s and XM 21’s.

Nolan served in the Bow Police Department as Special Officer. He served as Special Officer for Hooksett Police and on their championship Pistol Shooting team. Nolan’s skills on the shooting range were second to none. He was lead marksman on various teams including the Wilson Hill Pistol Club, NHNG National Match team, and NH Police Pistol Shooting team and earned over 74 various local, state, and national championships. He served with the Littleton Auxiliary Police and led their team to an 8-year undefeated championship for the Governor’s Civil Defense Trophy. He was instrumental in sustaining and promoting police marksmanship activities throughout NH.

Nolan started his own Gunsmith business, Sanco Guns in 1973, as a Master Gunsmith. His craftsmanship was reputed to be among the best in the USA. His workmanship earned recognition in over 25 magazine articles. He worked as Gunsmith for the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Department and numerous other police departments. Finally, Nolan worked in the welding industry for over 35 years. He retired in 2013 from Airgas, Inc. after 20 years with them.

Nolan married his dream girl, Sarah Santy neé Morrill, in 1974. They went on to share 37 amazing years together and raised 3 beautiful children in Bow. When she passed, Nolan took over as caretaker at the Mary Baker Eddy birthplace. Recently, he relished becoming a grandfather and deeply loved every moment spent with his son’s children, Abbie, Max, and Jonathan.

Nolan was predeceased by his wife, Sarah Morrill Santy, in 2011. As well as his two younger brothers, George Santy, Littleton, in 2008, and Ron Santy, Milton, FL, in 2020.

His survivors include his children and their respective spouses, all of Bow, NH: Sarah Santy and TJ Rowell; Becky Santy; and Jonathan Santy and Becci. Along with his adopted family; Angus and Elijah MacIver of Bow. Additionally, his cousin, Bob & wife Christine Meserve in Lyman, NH. He also leaves many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, great nephews, and a lengthy list of cherished friends.

Calling Hours will be held on April 11, 2025 from 10:00AM-12:00PM at Bennett Funeral Home, followed by a church service at Dunbarton Congregational Church at 1:00PM, 6 Stark Hwy N, Dunbarton, NH 03046.

In lieu of cards and flowers, donations may be given in his name to the Granite VNA in Concord, NH.