James John Nolan, Jr.

James Nolan Jr. Obituary

James Nolan Jr., 78, passed away peacefully on November 14th, 2022 with beloved family by his side, after a struggle with multiple illnesses.

Born on October 25th, 1944, to James Sr. and Anna F. Maloney Nolan, James Jr. was raised in Pelham, New York, along with brother Eugene. While attending Prospect Hill Elementary School, Iona Prep and then Manhattan College (’69), Jim befriended lifelong pals.

While at Iona Prep Jim went on the best blind date of his life, meeting Marina Pierce of New Rochelle, NY.  Marina and Jim married at Holy Family Church, New Rochelle, on September 25th, 1971. Jim and Marina built a life and family together, starting in Bronxville and then Chester Heights, finally settling in Pelham, NY, on Roosevelt Avenue, where they raised Jimmy, Sean, Pierce and Mia. The family was very active in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, as well the NYAC, Pelham sports and the school system.  Marina and Jim loved going to the beach in the Hamptons, especially Foster Memorial Beach.  Jim was an avid music fan and curated amazing road trip song lists. His musical knowledge was legendary.  Jim loved hockey and served as the President of the Pelham Hockey Association in the late 1980s.  He was also an avid youth league soccer coach.

Marina’s courageous battle and subsequent loss to cancer challenged Jim to the core. Her passing on April 3rd, 1986 changed the trajectory for both the Pierce and Nolan immediate and extended families. With four young children to raise (with lots of help from his mother, “Nanny” Nolan), Jim strove to overcome adversities without his cherished Marina. Confronting these challenges alone led to his lifelong motto: “every day is a gift.”

A successful seafood distributor, Jim delivered Alaskan King Crab, lobster, and premium shellfish to many of the best restaurants in the Bronx, Westchester and Manhattan. Described by restaurant owners as a “warm personality” and a “showboat,” Jim lit up the kitchens' atmospheres upon delivery.

In his later years, Jim enjoyed living in the North Fork of eastern Long Island. He was very grateful for all the new friendships he made there.

Jim served in the US Navy from 1968 to 1974, including on the USS Moale, earning rank as a YN3 Yeoman.

Jim is survived by his children, James John Nolan III (Lorelei), Sean Michael (Michele), Pierce Joseph (Jennifer), and Mia Sarah (Stephen). He is survived by his two adoring grandchildren Pierce Joseph, Jr. and Trevor James Nolan. Jim is also survived by his brother Eugene Nolan (Marilyn), niece Katherine Nolan, and nephew Kevin Nolan (Lindsay). He was pre-deceased by his wife Marina Pierce Nolan and his parents James Sr. and Anna F. Maloney Nolan.

The Funeral mass will be held at Church of the Holy Family at 83 Clove Street, New Rochelle, NY 10801 on Saturday, November 19th at noon; there will be no wake. The Nolan Family thanks you in advance for your support during these difficult times, but also realizes that Marina and Jim are finally reunited in eternal life. May God bless them and you. 

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