Michael Joseph Nolan, 88, died Monday, May 5, 2014, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, surrounded by his family who loved him dearly. Mike was born in Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland, on February 1, 1926, the son of Michael and Katherine Dully Nolan. When Mike was a young boy, the family emigrated to the United States and settled in Mount Kisco, NY. During World War II, Mike served in the U.S. Navy as a signalman aboard a destroyer escort, North Atlantic convoy duty. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Mike graduated from St. Anselm College, Manchester, NH, Class of 1951, where he founded the golf team. On September 16, 1950, Mike married Helen Sullivan in St. Lawrence O'Toole Church, Hartford, CT. Mike was employed by The Hartford Insurance Company as a claims manager for 25 years. After his retirement from The Hartford, Mike embarked on a second career as a sales representative for Agway Inc. until his retirement in 1991. Mike was a true Irish-American who exuded friendliness and wit, and who profoundly loved his wife, his family, his faith and his heritage. Gifted with a thoughtful and gentle nature, Mike had a radiant smile, an unwavering optimism and a warm heart. His lifelong passion for the game of golf brought Mike immense joy which he shared with his family. Mike was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and his legacy will live on for generations. Mike is survived by: his wife, Helen; his children: Rosemary and Ed Noonan of Utica; Michael and Beth Nolan of Pittsfield, MA; Patrick and Claudia Nolan of Utica; Maureen Nolan of Camden; Kevin and Karlene Nolan of Salem, NH; Brian and Jennifer Nolan of Wallingford, CT; and Jennifer Nolan of Durham, NC; his grandchildren: Ed and Shannon Noonan, Michael Noonan, Brian and Sarah Noonan, Mary Rose Noonan; Dan and Maren Nolan, Kieran and Liam Nolan; Sean, Connor and Kelly Nolan; and Brian, Michael and Kaitlyn Nolan; his great-grandchildren: Kate, Liam and Caera Noonan; his in-laws, Pauline Nolan, Edward Slota, and James and Mary Sullivan. In addition to his parents, Mike was predeceased by his son, James Nolan; his brothers, John and Desmond Nolan; and his sisters, Esther O'Neill, Jeanette Berger and Dorothy Slota. Friends and relatives may call on Friday, May 9, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Mike and Helen's home, 107 Northwood Drive, Deerfield. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon on Saturday, May 10, from St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church, 702 Columbia Street, Utica. Burial will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mike's name to Mother Marianne's West Side Kitchen at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church. The Nolan Family expresses their utmost gratitude to all of the staff at the Presbyterian Home for their superb care of Mike and Helen as rehabilitation patients. Thank you so much to the staff of 3A at St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their compassionate care of Mike and his family, and to Father Richard Dellos and Father Anthony LaFache for their spiritual guidance and kind pastoral care. Most especially, the family expresses profound gratitude to their sister, Jennifer, who moved her job to Utica in order to give Helen and Mike the greatest possible gift, a daughter's undivided and loving care.