Mr. Edward Michael Nolan Jr.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Edward (Eddie) Michael Nolan, Jr., 82, who passed away on February 8, 2025, in Fort Myers, Florida surrounded by family. He was born on January 11, 1943, in Braddock, Pennsylvania, to Edward Michael Nolan, Sr. and Mary Nellie Sichitano.

A proud veteran, Edward dedicated four years of service to the United States Air Force, enlisting at 17 with his mother’s permission. He was stationed in Columbus, Ohio, for 18 months, served a year in North Africa, and completed his service in Orlando, Florida. Holding the rank of Airman Second Class, Edward was part of the Strategic Air Command as a crew member on the B-47 bomber. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he was relocated from North Africa to Orlando before being honorably discharged in 1964.

Edward carried this same sense of duty into his professional life, where he built an esteemed career in the energy industry. Upon returning from his service, he immediately went to work under the careful watch of his father as a laborer, a.k.a., sub-terrain engineer, at Equitable Gas Company, from his early role as a foreman to various positions, including Area Supervisor, Superintendent, Vice President of Distribution and Pipeline Operations, to the pinnacle of his career as Executive Vice President of Construction for EQT Corporation, retiring at the age of 67 after over 45 years of service. Throughout his career, work and family were deeply intertwined. He had the unique privilege of working for his father early on, only for the roles to reverse when his father worked for him. He was also fortunate to share his professional journey with his two uncles and brother, Michael F. Nolan, all at the same company. His leadership and vision left a lasting impact. Through decades of hard work, he earned the respect of colleagues and peers, always leading with integrity, wisdom, and an unshakable work ethic.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Edward’s greatest joy was his family. A devoted husband and father, he met the love of his life, Sharon, in 1961 at the hospital where they were both born. Their birthdays were just one year and one day apart, a unique bond that deepened their connection. They married in 1965 and looked forward to celebrating 60 wonderful years together this June.

He was the world to his wife and daughters—their unwavering rock, greatest supporter, and a constant source of strength. He did it all, never hesitating to put their needs above his own. As a family man, he never avoided changing diapers when his girls were infants or cooking and cleaning up after hosting a holiday gathering. Whether driving his daughters to appointments, packing their lunches with care, guiding them through college and career opportunities, or helping them move in and out of countless dorms and apartments, he was always there—steady, dependable, and full of love. And no matter how grown they became, he never missed an opportunity to slip them a few extra dollars, insisting it was “just for gas,” a small but heartfelt reminder of his endless generosity and devotion.

He also shared a wonderful bond with his three sons-in-law, Matt, Brian, and Orest. Though he may have seemed intimidating initially, they quickly saw him as a gentle giant. Their close relationship was rare and special—he embraced them as the sons he never had. Built on deep mutual respect, their bond was strengthened by a shared love for sports, family, and meaningful conversations.

And to his grandchildren, he was known as Pap Pap, who never missed a chance to celebrate their milestones and achievements. He adored the baby phase and was the best babysitter, and as they matured, he loved the opportunity to attend their sporting events, bike ride, hit the gym, schlep through amusement parks, and golf any chance he had. Following his mother’s footsteps, he was known for whipping up wonderful Italian dishes, such as greens and beans, braciole, and pasta e fagioli, often requested by his grandchildren. And one of their favorites, his famous M&M pancakes.

Edward, a proud Pittsburgh native, had an unwavering love for the black and gold. Whether attending games in person or passionately waving his Terrible Towel from home, he was a dedicated fan throughout every football season. His devotion to Penn State University was just as strong, having sent his three daughters there for college, where they met their husbands. His Penn State pride carried on through his grandchildren, some of whom also became part of the blue and white tradition.

His memory will forever be treasured by his loving wife, Sharon Nolan; daughters, Lori (Matt) Lindey of Cranberry Township, PA., Tara (Brian) Swenson of Haymarket, VA, and Carla (Orest) Motyl of Seymour, CT. He is survived by 9 grandchildren: Kyle, Troy, Cory, Rylie, Sophia, Trevor, Payton, Reagan, and Hudson.

Edward was preceded in death by his father, Edward Michael Nolan, Sr, his mother, Mary Nellie Sichitano, and his sister, Marie F. Conners. He is survived by his loyal younger brother, Michael F. (Vickie) Nolan of North Huntingdon, PA. Despite living in different states, they remained close, often sharing long phone conversations for hours. Many beloved nieces and nephews also survive him.

A memorial service will be held at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, 1589 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers, FL, on Saturday, March 1, at 10:30 AM. A celebration of life will take place in April in Pittsburgh, PA. For details, please contact the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Edward M. Nolan’s memory to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org, the Make-A-Wish Foundation at www.wish.org, or Penn State THON to support the fight against childhood cancer at www.thon.org or by mailing a check to: Penn State Dance Marathon, 227D Hetzel Union Building, University Park, PA. 16802.

Edward Michael Nolan, Jr. lived a life of service, dedication, and love, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.