Joseph Griffith Nowlan Jr.

It is with heavy hearts yet profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Joseph Griffith Nowlan Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, on March 5, 2026, at the age of 90. Joseph left this world as he lived in it—serenely and surrounded by the love of his family in his cherished home in Virginia Beach.

Born on January 3, 1936, in Norfolk, Virginia, Joseph was the treasured son of Joseph Griffith Nowlan Sr. and Dorothy Bramble-Nowlan. He is predeceased by his loving parents, his sister Dorothy Ann Bain, and his brother Thomas Wayne Nowlan, as well as his father-in-law Joseph Henry Hunt and mother-in-law Margaret Quthrell Hunt.

Joseph's enduring love story with his wife, Rose Ellen Hunt Nowlan, began on June 9, 1961, when they exchanged vows at Foundry United Methodist Church in Lynnhaven, Virginia. For 64 years, they built a life together filled with joy, adventure, and steadfast devotion. Together, they raised three wonderful children: their daughter Kathleen Grace Ratcliff, married to Michael, and their two sons, Ronald Nowlan with his wife Jennifer, and Warren Alan Nowlan with his wife Cathy.

His legacy of love continues through his seven grandchildren—Brittany Norton, Lindsey Norton and wife Madde, Brandon Nowlan, Benjamin Nowlan and wife Allie, Matt Nowlan, Ashley King and husband Matt, Parker Alan Nowlan —and his eight great-grandchildren, Charlie Norton; Grayson and Theodora Norton; Victor and Kerrigan Nowlan; and Abel, Ava, and Alice King and Joseph's family was his pride and joy, and their collective memories of him are a testament to his impactful and humble life.

A graduate of Granby High School, Class of 1955, Joseph went on to further his education at Old Dominion University and Kees Coastal College. He proudly served his country in the Army 101st Airborne from 1955 to 1960 until a medical discharge. His dedication to service continued through a distinguished career in Government Services, where he held pivotal roles, including Director of TRADOC at Fort Monroe and a notable tenure with NATO Support, which earned him the esteemed Commander in Chief award.

His commitment to his community was evident in his service with the Virginia Beach Auxiliary Police from 1963 to 1975, where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant. He retired from the Auxiliary Police in 1975, Joseph was also an entrepreneur at heart, founding several successful ventures, including Nowlan Electronics, Nowlan's Bird Aviary, and Atlantic Delivery.

Joseph was a man of many interests. An avid traveler, he and Rose enjoyed countless adventures with their dear friends in motorhome clubs like Winnebago International Travelers, Tidewater Travelers, Colonial Virginians and the FMCA. He was also a dedicated volunteer, contributing to the Boy Scouts of America, local PTA, Lions Club, The Screaming Eagles and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He enjoyed gardening, flowers were his favorite. Collecting coins became a hobby and he enjoyed sharing them with his grandchildren.

Known for his warmth and generosity, Joseph never met a stranger and was always eager to lend a hand or share a story. His compassion and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, a cause dear to Joseph’s heart.

The Nowlan family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Visiting Angels and Westminster Canterbury Hospice Care for their loving dedication to Joseph and their continued care for Rose.

Joseph's life was a tapestry of love, service, and adventure. He leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories and a family that will forever honor his spirit. Rest in peace, dear Joseph. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.