July 29, 1962 – March 1, 2024
Daniel C. Nolan, 61, of Waterford, CT, passed away unexpectedly on March 1, 2024. Born in Hartford, CT, on July 29, 1962, Dan grew up in Windsor, CT, where he graduated from Windsor High School in 1980. His journey of service began immediately after high school when he joined the Army National Guard, dedicating 38 years to his country. Dan started as an enlisted soldier and rose to the rank of Captain after excelling in Officer Candidate School. His military career saw him deployed to Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan, earning commendations like the Combat Action Badge and the Bronze Star.
Dan’s military service was marked by his dedication and bravery. While in Iraq from 2006 to 2007, he conducted route clearance missions with the 130th Combat Engineer Battalion, ensuring the safety of the streets of Baghdad. From 2011 to 2012, he led the 246th Fire Fighting Detachment at Forward Operating Base Apache in Kabul, Afghanistan, completing over 300 missions. Dan’s community outreach during deployments, where he organized the provision of food, clothing, and toys to local villagers, highlighted his compassion and leadership.
Parallel to his military service, Dan had a distinguished career with the Hartford Fire Department, starting in 1984 and retiring as Deputy Chief of Training in 2017. His commitment to public safety saw him at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks and involved in numerous firefighter associations, including the Hartford Fire Department Emerald Society and the Hartford Firefighters Retirees Association. He was deeply involved in the Irish American Home Society, serving as Vice President and contributing to the Irish History Committee and the Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Dan’s impact extended far beyond his professional life. He was actively involved in numerous charitable organizations, such as Cherish the Children, Amy’s Angels, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Miami Project for paralysis. His most passionate cause was the Lea’s Foundation for Leukemia Research, where he served on the Board of Directors and helped raise over six million dollars. His efforts were recognized in 2020 with the Lea’s Foundation Heart of Honor Award.
Dan’s personal life was rich with family and friends. He enjoyed fishing, attending sporting events, and traveling, particularly to Ireland. Known for his bravery, loyalty, and charm, Dan’s unique sense of humor and love for pranks endeared him to all. His kindness extended beyond the visible, with many of his good deeds only coming to light after his passing. His family is profoundly grateful for the outpouring of support during this difficult time and encourages everyone to honor Dan’s memory by continuing his legacy of generosity.
Dan is survived by his wife, Jill LeCheminant, and stepdaughter, Raven Atkinson of Waterford. He also leaves behind his siblings Noreen, Claire, John (and his wife Sue), and Patsy; nieces and nephew Ashley, Melissa, John, Erin, Angela, and Olivia; aunt Peggy Whitman; several step-nieces and nephews; and many cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Dan and Nora, and his sister, Margaret.
The funeral services were held on March 15 and 16, 2024. Friends and family gathered at Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home and the Church of the Incarnation to celebrate Dan’s life. He was laid to rest with full military honors at Windsor Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lea’s Foundation for Leukemia Research or the Irish American Home Society. For further details or to leave a condolence, please visit Farley-Sullivan Funeral Homes.
