LI's Richard Nolan, 'Dean' Of Fire District Attorneys, Dies

Richard T. Nolan, known as the "Dean" of the fire district attorneys who served Long Island communities for more than 50 years, died on April 13 in Port Jefferson.

Born and raised in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, Nolan attended St. Francis Prep and went on to graduate from St. Francis College in 1955. He then attended St. John's University School of Law, where he served as editor of the St. Thomas More Institute, publisher of the St. John’s Law Review and the Catholic Lawyer. He graduated in 1958

Nolan's college years were interrupted when he enlisted in the United States Army as an aviation engineer during the Korean War. He later earned a commission in the active reserve as a Second Lieutenant.

Nolan's education was aided by his commitment to his faith, as a parishioner of the Infant Jesus RC Church in Port Jefferson since 1968. He also served as a trustee, Parish Council President, Mass Team Captain, Lector and a member of the St. Jospeh of Arimathea Society.

"A member and past president of the Port Jefferson Rotary Club for over 50 years, he also held memberships in the Catholic War Veterans, the American Legion, Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York, New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, Firemen’s Association of the State of NY, National Fire Protection Association, National Volunteer Firefighters Council and Government Finance Officers Association.," according to a family obituary.

Nolan served as Counsel to the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York, from 1987-1992. He was Counsel to the Suffolk County and Brookhaven Town Fire District Associations, as well as numerous fire districts until his retirement in December, 2013.

Nolan was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Barbara Nolan (nee Gallagher). He is survived by seven children, Liam (Cheri), Maureen (Robert), Mark (Kris), Monica, Barbara (George), Andrew (Allison), and Richard Jr.; eleven grandchildren, Alexandra Butera (Greg), Daniel, Emma, Taylore, Eli (Allison), Nick, Tim, Rob, Katie, Matthew and Ryan; and two great-grandchildren Sean Patrick and Henry Francis Butera.

Viewing Monday April 15th 7-9 and Tuesday April 16th; 2-4; 7-9 at Bryant Funeral Home, 411 Old Town Rd, East Setauket, NY.Funeral mass at Infant Jesus Church, Main St. Port Jefferson, NY Wednesday, April 17th at 10:00am; burial to follow at Calverton National Cemetery, with Military Honors.