Ernest E. Nolan Jr.

Ernest (Ernie) E. Nolan Jr. of Malden passed away on June 17th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. The son of Ernest and Evelyn Nolan, he was raised in Malden and resided there his entire life. He was the beloved husband of Miriam Nolan (Dix) for nearly 67 years. He was the loving father of Lisa and Christine. Ernie proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War Era and was Honorably discharged as a Sgt. Ernie attended Northeastern University and graduated from Wentworth Institute with a degree in Engineering. Ernie worked for M.I.T Lincoln Laboratory and the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory for decades. Though-out his career, Ernie was known as consummate professional, his advice and expertise was sought out for numerous projects both private and public. He was an instrumental part of the U.S. Government Trident Missile Project. He was awarded a patent from the U.S. Government for his development of a Fiber Optic Gyro that is still in use today by the United States Army.

In his free time, Ernie spent time in his home workshop working on small or large projects for friends or family. Most often without them having to ask. Although he had a rough and harsh demeanor at times, he was generous and loving to a fault. He never said no to anyone, and no project was too big or too small. He jokingly used phrases like “close enough for government work “, or “I can't see if from my house”, but his most noteworthy was” if you are going to do something, do it right”.

Ernest is survived by his wife Miriam Nolan of Malden, his daughters Lisa (Sam) Thurman of Valencia CA and Christine (Kevin) Donofrio of Reading MA, proud PAPA of his grandchildren Megan Thurman, Stephen Thurman, Micayla (Donofrio) Davis and her husband Stephen, Brianna Donofrio and Hannah Donofrio. Also survived by many family members and friends. Ernest was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Evelyn Nolan and his sisters Evelyn Murphy and Beverly Nezelek.

A Graveside service will be held for Ernest at Forest Dale Cemetery in Malden on Monday June 23rd, 2025, at 10:00A.M.

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