John Joseph Nolan was born on the 8th August 1940 in Leugh, Three Castles, County Kilkenny. He was the eldest of seven children to parents Mary and Michael.

He worked on the family farm until aged 19 when he left Ireland to find work in London, so he could help the family financially. He arrived in London where he lived and worked with his Auntie Peg in her pub in Camden, until he took a job in Civil Works and was proud to tell everyone that would listen, how he helped build the M1 motorway!

John's siblings, Martin, Michael, Patty, Mary, Marguerite and Anastasia joined him in London and over the years they remained very close. They moved to Birmingham for work and better living conditions and eventually after a visit to Rotherham to see extended family, they found a place they could call home. They loved the Yorkshire folk and their laid back style, it reminded them of their Irish roots, so John and his brothers and sisters settled in Rotherham.

John and all his siblings, except for Michael, started work as bus conductors and this is where he met Bridget, his future wife to be. Bridget was from Mayo, in the West of Ireland. Bridget had moved over to the UK with her Brother Thomas, to support her parents, Patrick & Bridget, who were also struggling financially with the upkeep of their farmland.

After 2 years of courting, John and Bridget were married at St Bede's Church in Rotherham. They went on to have 6 children; Michael, Patrick, Sean, Robert, Finbarr & Siobhan and eventually became very proud grandparents to their 15 grandchildren.

John was completely devoted to his family and worked hard all his life to support them. As much as his home life was hectic, he still found time to help many others in need, either through various charities at his church or even if someone came to the door looking for help. The family home had a 'The door's always open' policy.

When John became ill towards the end of his life, he did not complain and was always more concerned that everyone else was happy. John had a big kind heart and an infectious smile that could light up a room and put anyone at ease. His kindness had no bounds, and he will always be remembered for this.

And as the Irish blessing goes:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.