Charles Patrick Nolan's Obituary
Charles Patrick Nolan (Pat) July 21, 1937 – January 6, 2025, Ocean View, DE.
Charles Patrick Nolan, known to most as Pat, 87, of Bethany Beach, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 6, 2025, in the hospital.
Pat was born in Baltimore, Maryland and was one of six children. Raised by his mother, Eleanor and Father, John Nolan he attended Calvert Hall High School and played football. He later graduated from Loyola University and went on to complete his law degree at the University of Maryland. Pat had a robust career in mortgage banking around the country, highlighted by his role as Vice President and President for various companies – successfully working in the industry for nearly 50 years. He also had the good fortune to work with both of his daughters and see one of his granddaughters follow the same career path. He met his wife Lolly in 1957 they married in 1962 and raised their two girls in Potomac, MD. Family and fun came before anything else, and as a family they enjoyed their Bryce ski home in Virginia, trips out west, and weekends at the beach or at home in the pool.
He is survived by his wife Lolly Nolan and their two cherished daughters, Kathi Doan and her husband Jamie Doan of Ashton, MD, Kim Nolan and her partner of Shelburne, VT, siblings in Maryland, cousins, nieces, and nephews. But nothing brought Pat more joy than being a “Poppy” to his three grandchildren; Maddie Doan, Sammy Gilliam, and Bailey Doan, they were truly his biggest pride. Pat was dedicated to taking care of his family, near and far, and he certainly was the reason Delaware became so special.
Pat had a steady and deep faith, serving as an altar boy for many years at St. Ursula’s church. His Irish heritage also showed at times, and he was typically seen driving the latest Jaguar. He was an avid sportsman, playing squash downtown at the Washington Club before work and running marathons. Pat’s later passion was cycling; most knew him to be cruising on a bike or receiving a t-shirt for his latest participation in a ride. He lived simply; donated to charities he believed in, was a man for democracy, and a champion of women’s rights. In his free time he loved to decorate for Christmas, tend the garden, play bocce, watch sports, and enjoy apple butter on toast.
C. Patrick will be severely missed by his family and community at large. He embodied a kind of excellence only few ever achieve in one’s lifetime. We all take comfort in knowing his legacy will live on and we will continue to honor him forever.
Please join us on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Bay Forest Clubhouse in the Community Room located at 36115 Bay Forest Drive, Ocean View, DE 19970 to celebrate Pat’s life and share in memories and well wishes. Light refreshments and desserts will be provided. Please consider walking if you are able as parking spaces are limited. Bring your favorite Pat Nolan stories!
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
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