Kevin Nolan passed away peacefully at Massachusetts General Hospital on June 23rd
following a brief bout with Cancer; his beloved wife of 49-years, Bonnie, was by his side.
Kevin was 69-years old.
Born in Boston and raised in Somerville and Woburn, the son of the late Francis S. and
Mary M. (Burns) Nolan, he was the eldest of 5 children. A true leader, Kevin was a
caring mentor and a wonderful and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather,
uncle and friend.
Kevin and Bonnie returned to live in Woburn in recent years, but spent the majority
of their life together in Winchester where they raised their three children and where
three of their grandchildren live today. Kevin was an active member of the Winchester
community and impacted hundreds of children’s lives. Always a pied piper with kids,
and adults for that matter, Kevin had an ability to make sure everyone was included and
always felt welcome. Some of the most rewarding times for Kevin revolved around his
involvement in the Winchester youth hockey program in the 70's, teaching local kids to
skate during the golden years of Bobby Orr. He was a pioneer in that not only did he
work with the boys but he also helped to grow the girls’ hockey program in Winchester
that is still going strong to this day! Kevin watched with delight over the past several
weeks as the Bruins brought home another cup to Boston. The latest blessing brought
into Mr. Nolan’s life was his first grandson Nolan, born just ten weeks ago. Always on
the go, Kevin Nolan was omnipresent in the lives of his cherished granddaughters,
Bridget, Maddy, and Anna. There was never an important event in the girl’s lives where
their “Papa” was not present.
Mr. Nolan was extremely proud of his three children. In addition to his good looks, each
of them embodies the best parts of him: his son Brendan with his charm and business
acumen, his daughter Elsie uses her inherited storytelling skills as a Boston TV news
producer, and the youngest, Martha a teacher and a new mom. Each of them inherited
their father’s love of family and parenting.
Kevin and his wife Bonnie shared a love for the beaches and golf courses of Saco
Maine, and considered it their true home. Kevin fell in love with the area as a teenager
and had many close friends there; it was without a doubt one of his favorite places on
earth.
Mr. Nolan’s co-workers in his professional life were an extension of his family. He
started in the packaging industry in the 1960’s working for New England packagers
such as First National Stores, Colonial Packing, Cudahy Packing and Western Dairy
Products. In 1979 he began his long relationship with the Harlfinger family going to work
at TW Kutter. In 1997 he joined Harpak in South Easton, and was still active with the
company as its Senior Vice President. His professional relationship and friendship with
Charlie Harlfinger lasted decades, and he considered Linda and Heidi Harlfinger like
daughters.
In addition to his devoted wife of 49-years, Mr. Nolan is survived by his children,
Brendan Nolan of Boston, Elsie and Bill Flaherty of Winchester, and Martha and Neil
MacKrell of Oxford, CT, his brothers, Charles S. Nolan of Natick, Michael W. Nolan of
Stoneham, Christopher D. Nolan of Wakefield, and his sister Marybeth Nolan Javidan of
Woburn. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Nolan MacKrell, Anna Flaherty,
Bridget and Maddy Nolan, and their mom Sue Costello. Mr. Nolan also leaves his
loving nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the
services from the McLaughlin-Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant Street, Woburn,
on Tuesday at 9:00 AM, followed by a funeral Mass in Saint Charles Church, 280 Main
Street, Woburn at 10 AM with burial immediately following, in Wildwood Cemetery,
Winchester. Visiting hours are Monday between 4 - 8 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family
asks that memorial contributions in Kevin’s honor be made to Woburn High School
Scholarship Fund, PO Box 202, Woburn, MA 01801 www.whssf.com. For directions,
or to send a message of condolence - www.dellorusso.net McLaughlin – Dello Russo
Family Funeral Homes 781-933-0083.