Dr. Edward J. Nolan Sr.

Edward J Nolan Ph.D. of Abington Twp. died on Good Friday, April 10 at the age of 97. He is survived by his son Edward (wife Melissa) (granddaughter Kathryn Anne), son Robert Randle and brother Francis X. (wife Roberta). He is predeceased by 1st wife Mercedes (Spears 1987) 2nd wife Jean (Smith 2010) daughter Marianne, sister Mary (Vaughn), and brother William. He graduated from North Catholic in 1941 and received a full scholarship to Villanova where he majored in Chemical Engineering. He enlisted in the Naval Reserves in 1943, finished his education and was discharged from the Navy in December 1945. He received his masters from The University of Delaware and his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. He was involved in the early stages of the space race through the development of the Space Shuttle and was the head of the re-entry systems department at GE in Valley Forge. Later on he was involved in the search for alternative energy sources. He authored several books and a host of technical papers ranging from the thermodynamics of space flight to converting biomass to liquid fuels. He also taught at La Salle University for 47 years where he was head of the evening division math department. He was an eagles fan, an avid golfer, and a long time member of North Hills Country Club. He was very religious, and in lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite religious or animal charity. A visitation and mass will be private for the immediate family only. His interment will be held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. The visitation, funeral mass and graveside service will be live streamed from our website beginning at 9:30 AM until the end of the mass and then again at approximately 11:45 AM for the graveside service. Services entrusted to the Joseph J. McGoldrick Funeral Home. Condolences may be made at www.McGoldrickFH.com