Rev. Joseph J. Nolan, M.S., 95, a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette, of 85 New Park Avenue, Hartford, CT, died Friday, March 11, 2016 at St. Mary Home in West Hartford, CT. Father was born on March 19, 1920 in Dorchester, MA, son of the late James J. and Mary (Daley) Nolan. He attended schools in Roxbury, MA and North East, PA before entering the La Salette Novitiate in Bloomfield, CT on July 1, 1941. He took first vows on July 2, 1942 and after completing his studies, was ordained to the priesthood on May 6, 1948. Subsequent to his ordination, Father Nolan was assigned to St. Joseph Parish in Fairmont, West Virginia, where he ministered from 1948 until 1960. He was later called to ministry at the La Salette Shrines in Ipswich, MA, and Altamont, NY. He also served as pastor or administrator at various parishes served by the La Salettes in Atlanta and Canton , GA and Washington, NC. He served for fourteen years as Pastor of Our Lady of La Salette Church in Rainham, England. Under his watchful eye, many new organizations were brought to life in the parish and many improvements were made. In addition to his parish duties he also served as the advisor to the La Salette District Superior of England and for a time as First Councillor for the District. In 1995 Father was named to residence in St. Ann Parish in Marietta, GA,
and remained active there until 2009 when he was assigned to residence at the Hartford House on New Park Avenue. In recent years as his health diminished, he resided at St. Mary Home in West Hartford. Throughout his years of service as a Missionary of La Salette, Father Nolan was filled with enthusiasm and joy in every aspect of his ministry. In addition to his La Salette confreres, Father Nolan is survived by his sister-in-law, Phyllis Nolan, 18 nieces and nephews, 17 grandnieces and nephews and 9 great- grand nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers: James, John and Paul and his sisters: Marie Burke, Anna Cassidy and Gertrude Killoran. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at the La Salette Hartford House, 85 New Park Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106. Friends may call from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. preceding the Mass. Burial services will be held at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Contributions in Father Nolan's memory may be made to: Missionaries of Our Lady of Salette Retirement Fund, 915 Maple Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114-2330. To share a memory with the Community or family, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com.