Nolan, Robert F. Sr. of Quincy formerly of Naples, FL. April 17, 2008.Husband of the late Beverly (St. Jacques) Nolan. Former husband of Rosemary Kearns of Quincy. Cherished father of Sheila Nolan of Falmouth, Siobhan Nolan and Rory Nolan Reid both of Wollaston, Erin Newcomb of Weymouth and the late Robert F. Nolan, Jr. Brother of Marie Wolf of Richmond, VA formerly of Winthrop, MA and the late Joseph, Gerard and C. Florence Nolan. Devoted Papa of Olivia, Nolan & Grace Geary, Katherine, Kristina & Lily Reid and Kenny & Derek Newcomb.
Born and raised in Winthrop, Knobby graduated from Winthrop High School Class of 1944. He served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946. He graduated from Cushing Academy in 1948 and graduated from U Mass Amherst in 1953. He received his Masters degree from Boston University. He was named All New England in 1952 and then again in 1953. His fraternities include Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Phi Delta Kappa.
Knobby was invited to play with the Chicago Bears and the Baltimore Colts, he played semi pro with the Greenfield Lions in 1954. Coach Knobby Nolan began his coaching career in Hudson High School in 1954 coaching football and basketball. He eventually took a position at North Quincy High School in 1961 and coached until 1976. Coach Nolan took great pride in knowning that all of his players continued their education and all received their college degrees. His achievements include North Quincy High School Football Hall of Fame, NQHS Basketball Hall of Fame and Massachusetts Coaches Hall of Fame in 1998. He held a winning record of 153-63. He was the founder of Championship Basketball School at Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1976. He was a wonderful role - model for so many and would often hear from the players of how he had touched their lives and made positive influences for so many of them. For him, this was one of his most treasured achievements. Coach Knobby Nolan formaly retired back in 1990. Many would agree that North Quincy High School is a better place because of Coach Knobby Nolan. He will be deeply missed by all those who had the honor of being coached or mentored by him.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral from the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St. QUINCY, Wednesday at 10 AM.
Funeral Mass in Saint Ann's Church, Wollaston at 11 AM.
Visiting hours Tuesday 2- 7 PM.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Coach Knobby Nolan may be made to The Coach Knobby Nolan Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Quincy Credit Union, 100 Quincy Avenue, Quincy, MA 02169.