Francis "Frank" Joseph Nolan

Frank Nolan passed away peacefully and gracefully on June 8, 2024, never letting cancer dim his dynamic spirit. His bigger than life presence lit up every room. He was a proud Irish Catholic, embracing everything Irish. His voice was his instrument and he used it well, studying opera at Music Academy of the West and Mt. St. Mary’s, and joining productions at PCPA. His quick wit and amazing intelligence brought him to many packed classrooms as he pursued his career as an itinerant professor at Cal Poly SLO, California Men’s Colony, and Hancock College. He joined the society of Jesus (Jesuits) at a young age and remained in the Society for over ten years, serving as a hospital chaplain at St. Francis Hospital in Hawaii and the University of San Francisco and teaching at Jesuit High School in Sacramento before leaving the priesthood to join his family in his hometown of Santa Maria, eventually settling in Los Osos, California.

He could be seen riding his bicycle all over the central coast, kayaking, doing triathlons, climbing, and practicing yoga. He loved Montana de Oro and Sweet Springs Nature Preserve.

Born in East St. Louis, Il, in March 1949, the oldest of seven siblings, the young family moved first to Los Angeles and then Santa Maria, California, the barbecue capitol of the world. His family, colleagues, and students loved him and he loved them. Teaching philosophy and religion was his calling. He held two Masters degrees in Philosophy and English from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA, and two Bachelor’s Degrees in Journalism and English from Cal Poly, SLO. He was a beloved teacher.

Frank is survived by his wife, Alexis Olds and daughter, Mariel Olds, siblings, Regina, Lisa, Catherine, Patricia, and John, and in-laws, Mary Nolan, Lynne Olds and Bart Sears, Laurie Olds as well as Ron Castle and Martha Merce, Bill Deihl and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his beloved son, Bobby, and brother Steven.

Services will be at 3:00 on Saturday, June 22 at the Monastery of the Risen Christ on O’Connor Way in San Luis Obispo. He wanted remembrances to go to monastic causes.

Namaste Francis Joseph “by the grace of God” Nolan.