Richard Eugene Nolan

On March 16, 2025, Richard Eugene Nolan (affectionately known as Rich, Richie, Dick, Pop-Pop Richie, Uncle, Daddy, and Dad) of Roswell, GA transitioned to the Heavens to join his bride of nearly 69 years, Constance Joyce Russell Nolan.

From his humble beginnings at a two-family home at 18 Millington Avenue, Newark NJ, he embarked on a wonderful life. He was the first in his family to attend college at Upsala College in East Orange, NJ, where he was a “brown bagger” aka… a commuter! While at Upsala, he enjoyed a storied basketball career. Those who knew him well have heard this story…. multiple times…. One of his biggest claims to fame was he broke Don Kirshner’s (yes, of Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert, and founder of the musical bands The Monkees, Kansas, and The Archies, among others) jaw while coming down from a rebound shot! He helped nurse Don back to health with a wired jaw!

He spent summers as a lifeguard on the beach in the resort town of Lavallette, NJ, where he fell in love with the beautiful Connie Russell of Union, NJ. They were married on June 10, 1956, and spent nearly 69 years together as husband and wife before Mom passed on October 20, 2024. Dad cherished the ground Mom walked on. She was his world! He loved spending time with her. From the simple Sunday drives after church and lunch, to the extensive travel to over 32 countries (we have the videos to prove it!), they most enjoyed their excursions to the casinos! They never won big, but they loved it!

“More than the greatest love the world has known

This is the love that I give to you, alone

More than the simple words, I try to say

I only live to love you more, each day”

Privately, Dad enjoyed a very strong relationship and deep faith in God. Often times he would head out to Home Depot, only to end up at the Day Chapel at St. Brigid in Johns Creek where he found peace. Often times while enduring multiple health struggles in his later years, he was known to bestow blessings in Latin upon his caregivers, reflecting back on his earlier days as an Alter Boy.

He was a funny, funny man with a warm beautiful smile and a devilish twinkle in his eyes. He was still telling jokes right up until the end. He loved being the entertainer and making people laugh. He loved people, and never met a stranger. Three months after Mom’s passing he moved to the Village Park Alpharetta Senior Living community where he had a whole new audience for his stories and jokes! He acclimated quite quickly and became the New Man on Campus, especially among the 85% female population! But he couldn’t live without Mom.

He enjoyed a long and successful career beginning in sales, and he always had a side gig going on to make extra money. One of the funniest side gigs was his co-ownership in a little Italian Sausage sandwich shop called “Porky’s”! It was a family affair. He even put his father, Marty, to work as the potato and onion peeler! In the early 1980’s, while having three of four kids in college, he took his biggest gamble and left the corporate world to start his own management consulting firm. He successfully ran the firm for over 32 years, but he never really retired. At the age of 90 he was awarded a U.S. Patent for a gardening tool that he worked on for over three years. He ultimately sold the patent to the Scotts Miracle Gro company.

He is survived by his four children, daughters Lynn Holcomb of Boca Raton, FL, Gail Terrell-Crane (Michael) of Alpharetta, GA, Jill Morris (Bob) of St. Johns, FL, and son Ken (Betsy) of Cumming, GA. Nine Grandchildren: Chase (Lindsey) Holcomb, Taylor Holcomb (Juan) Tapia, Ryan, Berkley & Carson Nolan, Reeves & Trace Terrell, Bailey Morris (Joe) Sera, Brooke Morris, and Three Great-Grandchildren Landon Holcomb, Liam Holcomb, and the newest addition, Payton Avery Tapia, born March 6, 2025. Sister In-Law, Cathy Russell, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother Loretta Birch Nolan (1978), brother Robert M. Nolan Sr. (1985) and father Martin J. Nolan (1991)

The family would like to express its gratitude and thanks to all of the compassionate care givers at Northside Forsyth Hospital, Capstone Hospice, and the entire staff and residents of Village Park Alpharetta who helped bring back a ray of sunshine into his life over the past two months. And a special thanks to Father Paul Flood for always being there for him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation in his name to one of his most beloved charities: St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

A Memorial Mass, officiated by Father Paul Flood will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 3400 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, Georgia 30022 beginning at 11:00am. There will be a reception following at Mom & Dad’s home located at 7400 Brookside Lane (Horseshoe Bend Country Club) Roswell, Georgia 30076

Services provided by Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Road, Roswell GA 30076, 770.993.4811

Please enjoy a video produced by Granddaughter Bailey Morris Sera for Dad’s 90th Birthday Celebration:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pLPK1vWxkE