USS New obituary page for memorials

Joseph D. Nolan, longtime resident of Albuquerque, passed peacefully early Sunday morning, September 15, 2002 after a short but courageous battle with mesothelioma, an asbestos caused cancer. Joe, a beloved husband and father was born on November 3, 1928, in Dorchester, MA. The oldest of a traditional Boston Irish Catholic family. A graduate of Boston College High School and Boston College, he later earned his MA from Boston Teachers College, focusing his thesis on the Native American iin lterature. After joining the US Navy in 1951 through the Officers Candidate School in Newport RI, Joe dedicated his life to a distinguished thirty year military career before retiring as Captain. His service earned him several honors and medals, including the Legion Of Merit and Silver Star during the Korean and Vietnam wars. After serving in Danang, I Corps, Republic of South Vietnam, Joe served as executive officer of the USS Little Rock, and Commanding Officer of the USS New DD 818 and the USS Halsey. He was also CO of the Naval Destroyer School, and later CO of the Surface Warfare Officer School in New Port RI. He moved to Albuquerque in 1978 for his last tour of duty at the Defense Nuclear Agency at Kirtland AFB, and retired here in 1981. He recently retired from Los Alamos Technical Associates in Albuquerque.
   Joe enjoyed western arts and local crafts, volunteered at the annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, and was a frequent visitor at the New Mexico Native American Pueblo events. As a youth he spent many summers at Prince Edward Is, Canada, and returned there often in his later years.
    Joe lived a life of honor, integrity and charm. He made a difference in the lives of so many, and he will be sorely missed by friends and family.
    Joe is survived by his wife of 50 years, Betty Nolan formally of Boston, now of Albuquerque; and five children, daughter Jan Nolan, sons, Barry Nolan and wife Veronica, and Tim Nolan and wife Anne all of Albuquerque, as well as daughter Noreen Nolan and husband Bill Van Bloom of Santa Cruz, CA, and son, Michael Nolan and wife Sarah of Arlington. VA. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Chelsea, Haley, Taylor, Alyssa, Ben, Emily, and Davis. In addition he is survived by
brothers, Robert Nolan of Boston, Jim Nolan of PEI, Canada, and Martin Nolan of San Francisco, and one sister, Sister Elaine Nolan of Medford, MA.

Friends may visit French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, Tuesday, September 17, 2002, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. A mass will be celebrated at Sangre De Cristo Catholic Church, 8901 Candelaria Rd, NE at 11:00 AM, Wednesday with Reverend Albert J. Podvin officiating. Internment will take place at 2:00 PM at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, 1609 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Arrangements by French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.