NAUGATUCK — Thomas L. Nolan, 81, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at home with his wife and beloved dog by his side. He was the husband of Marna Kloc-Nolan for 32 years.
He was born in Waterbury on July 23, 1941, the son of the late Luke and Helen (Boylan) Nolan. He graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1959 and served in the Navy, being honorably discharged in 1962. He worked for USPS for 35 years, in many capacities, serving as postmaster in several locations, retiring in 1991.
He coached UCLL baseball, UCLL softball, Naugatuck Senior Babe Ruth, and Beacon Falls Senior Babe Ruth. He loved all the kids he coached through the years and they loved him too!
After retiring from the USPS, he embarked on another career. He drove a school bus, a job he loved, but then got into a supervisory position. He was offered a job with Education Connection as a manager, which he enjoyed for several years.
He operated a Cruise Business, “Sail Away” and helped the family go on numerous cruises making wonderful memories; finishing his working years with HRD as a driver.
Tom was a simple man who appreciated the simple things in life. A perfect Saturday for him would be a ride in the New England countryside with his wife and dog (Jake), singing along to his favorite Sirus radio station, Willie’s Roadhouse, enjoying brunch at his favorite Bridgewater café, and then to the Roxbury Land Trust so Jake could stretch his legs; then home to catch a Yankee or UConn game on TV, evening dinner perhaps with friends, a movie, and early to bed.
That would constitute a perfect day for Tom. The simple pleasures of life were as good as it gets
Sunday morning always found Tom at church. Although he never forgot his Catholic roots, he blossomed and grew spiritually at the Hillside Covenant Church. Tom served on various committees and was chairman of the trustees, vice chairman of Hillside for many years. His love for music flourished at Hillside and he quickly learned many of the beautiful old hymns by heart.
The small size and structure of the church provided an opportunity for Tom to utilize his talents. Tom was very spiritual, creative, and had leadership skills. He spearheaded many innovative programs at Hillside that benefited both the church and the community. He began an “America Prays” bimonthly program that was nondenominational, nonpolitical but was patriotic, informative, patriotic music and prayers for America during turbulent times.
He encouraged having a “Healing Service” for people and families in need. Both of these services were extremely well attended, inspirational, and comforting to the affected families.
His biggest brainstorm was the popular New England Baked Bean Dinners. These dinners went on for 20 years till COVID put a stop to them. Tom got the idea from a church in New Hampshire who gave him their bean recipe. Tom’s fame became widespread as his baked beans were the best ever!
Those suppers not only helped Hillside financially, but more importantly provided comradery with the church family and the many friends who helped out washing dishes, serving, etc. Fun for all and all for fun!
In addition to his wife Marna, he is also survived by his children, Matthew Nolan (Katherine Hubert), Mark Nolan (Ann Marie), Ann Marie Piacentini (Tony Piacentini), Joseph Nolan, Sheila Nolan.
He also leaves his stepchildren, Raymond Kloc, Evabeth Kloc, Stephen Kloc, Andrew Kloc; and beloved grandchildren, Amanda Kloc Fallon (Joseph Fallon), Raymond Michael Kloc (Christine Springmeyer), David Kloc, their mother Reed Kloc MacHaffie, Nikolas Kloc, Benjamin Kloc, Luke Nolan, Specialist U.S. Army, and Rory Nolan; and two great-grandchildren, Brady Ray Kloc and Amelia Rae Fallon.
Besides his parent,s he was predeceased by a son Ryan (RT) Nolan and daughter Jennifer Nolan; two brothers, Dr. John Nolan, M.D., and James Nolan.
A celebration and remembrance of Tom’s life was to be on Saturday, March 18, at the Hillside Covenant Church, 100 Hillside Ave., at 10:30 a.m. Attendees were asked to come bring their memories to share of this great man! The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Naugatuck is assisting with arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hillside Covenant Church, 100 Hillside Ave., Naugatuck, CT 06770 or to Companion Pet Rescue at cprdogs.com.
For online condolences, to share a photo or a story, please visit fordfh.com.
Softly As I Leave You
Til death do part, I made that vow,
I loved you then, I love you now,
Things unresolved,
things left to say,
But silently you slipped away,
So Softly — Gone — Now I’m alone,
I wish you peace in your new home.
M K-N
