Francis de Sales Nolan, OFM

1899 – 1967

Fr. Francis de Sales Nolan, OFM, was born Feb. 7, 1899 in Philadelphia. After graduating from St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., he entered the novitiate in 1926, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1930 and was ordained in 1933.

He did pastoral ministry at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, New York City, St. Stephen Parish, Croghan, N.Y., St. Anthony Parish, Butler, N.J., St. Joseph Parish, Winsted, Conn., and St. Joseph Parish, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. From 1943 to 1946, Fr. Francis served as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy. After a term as pastor at Queen of Peace Parish in Greenwood Lake, N.J., he re-enlisted in the Navy, serving for six more years. After his second tour of duty, he was assigned to St. Anthony Shrine, Boston.

He died there on Feb. 2, 1967. Fr. Francis was 67 years old, a professed friar for 39 years and a priest for 33 years.