Michael J. Nolan

LUNENBURG - Michael J. Nolan, 68, of Lunenburg, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully early Tuesday morning, November 7, 2023.

Michael was born in Boston in 1955, the son of the late Ralph and Mary (McGuire) Nolan.  He was raised and educated in Newton and Wayland where he established many life-long friendships.

Michael served in the United States Air Force as a firefighter, stationed in Caribou, Maine, from 1974-1977.  His strong work ethic was instilled early in his life as he began working on construction survey projects alongside his father at a young age and throughout his young adulthood.  He went on to work for B & M Railroad for many years.  Michael was a passionate entrepreneur and talented telecommunications technician, leading small businesses in the Athol-Orange area including QCI and Qualtech.  He was proud to lead a long-time successful career with his return to the transportation field, spearheading many intricate railroad projects across the Commonwealth while making use of his decades of first-hand knowledge and experience.

Michael was arguably both the funniest and best-looking guy in the room at any given moment.  If you knew Mike, you know this to be true.  He was an avid Beatles fan and overall music enthusiast, recently forming and performing with the band The Waylanders as their wicked talented drummer.

Michael loved his family deeply.  He considered himself to be the “unspoken” favorite child of his mother, whom he loved dearly and missed sorely upon her death last year.  Michael’s abrupt departure from this world has left many plans and wishes undone whilst leaving a painful, gaping void in the lives of his loved ones.  Michael’s mindset was that even in the most painful of times, humor prevails.  In memory of him, please share a joke with someone you see today.  No matter how small, silly, nonsensical, or unabashedly inappropriate, his family encourages you to bring humor into someone’s day for him.

Mike was the beloved husband of Mary (Lawson) Nolan, whom he considered his best friend and the love of his life for nearly forty years; devoted father of Derek and Amanda; cherished father-in-law of Chris LeBlanc; proud grandfather of Marcus, Jacob, and Zachary.  He was a loving and caring brother and will be greatly missed by his siblings, George Nolan and his wife Sue of Orange, Daniel Nolan and his wife Frances of Naples, Florida, Beth Gray and her husband David Gray, PhD, of Henniker, NH, and Joseph Nolan of Wayland.  Mike leaves many nieces, nephews, brothers/sisters-in-law, cousins, and countless colleagues and friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 10, 2023, from 4-7PM at the Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg. Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the funeral home.  Burial at the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery in Winchendon will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements under the care of Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd. Fitchburg, MA 01420.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.