John F. Nolan

John Nolan passed away suddenly on Saturday, June 3^rd. John was born on May 16^th, 1950, and was the fourth born child of Margaret Rosemary Fives and firstborn of Joe Nolan.

In young adulthood, John served in the coast guard.

In 1973, John married his wife Jean Nolan (Burkavage) and they remained married for 49 years. John fathered five children with Jean: Eric Nolan, Michelle Nolan, Colleen Nolan, Luke Nolan, and Shannon Nolan.

When Shannon was three years old, she was diagnosed with stage three malignant astrocytoma and received a prognosis of two years left to live. During the coming years, both John and Jean drove Shannon countless times to Geisinger Children’s Hospital in Danville, Pa., and other pediatric oncology specialists to receive lifesaving treatment. Their combined love and dedication to her battle was indispensable to overcoming her long odds of remission.

John had a long career at the Wayne County courthouse as the chief tax assessor. To supplement his family’s income, he also tended bar at the Fraternal Order of Eagles and was a member there for over 50 years.

John was a hunting buddy, auto racing enthusiast, and angler. He was the captain on many Lake Kellows fishing trips with his kids and grandchildren in search of the elusive trophy catch, “Bubba.” And in his retirement, built a home on Lake Kellows at Honesdale Country Club so that his family could enjoy its natural beauty and continue to maintain a tradition that keeps them together.

John was a man of deep faith with a great devotion to the blessed Mother, praying incessantly every day and manning multiple early morning eucharistic adoration shifts at St. Mary’s church chapel each week. His faith and love of God were inspirational to many in his family and the community. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

John’s legacy as a giver extends well beyond his family. During his life, he gave his platelets and blood to the American Red Cross as frequently as possible for nearly 20 years. As a member of Honesdale Country Club, he served on the board of directors and volunteered his time and energy to countless projects. And as an organ donor, has now given his corneas, skin, bones, and other organs to those in need.

His legacy includes helping all five of his children graduate from college. He is survived by his wife, Jean Nolan (Burkavage); siblings: Lewis Howell, Mary Fritz, and Susan Maguire; daughters and son: Michelle Nolan (Joseph Kamnikar), Colleen Nolan (Zachary Kamnikar), Luke Nolan, and Shannon Nolan; and grandchildren: Makenna Kamnikar, Joseph Carl Kamnikar, Rita Kamnikar, William Kamnikar, and Catalina Kamnikar. He is preceded in death by his son, Eric Nolan.

In honor of his death, a Christian mass will be held on June 26^th at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church at 10 a.m. followed by burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Arrangements by Hessling Murray Funeral Home, Inc., 428 Main St. Honesdale.