Johnny Nolan's Obituary- A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Johnny Nolan dead at 34
By MATHILDE
Published: 26th January 1914

John Nolan, or Johnny as his friends knew him, was a loving father, a loyal husband, and a great singer. Johnny died last night on Christmas day, 1914 of acute pneumonia; he was just 34.

Johnny was born in Brooklyn, New York. His mother, Ruthie, and his father Mickey Nolan immigrated to America from Ireland. His father precedes Johnny in death having died at the early age of 30. Ruthie Nolan, who survives her son, had four sons - Andy, Georgie, Frankie and Johnny, all one year apart. All the Nolan boys shared the American Dream of becoming professional entertainers and all were very talented singers. Tragically all four brothers passed away before the age of 35.

Johnny was married and is survived by his wife Katie Rommely, a Brooklyn girl with Austrian roots, who he met when he was 19. By the time Johnny was 22, the couple had two children, a daughter, Frankie, and a son, Neeley who both survive their father. Johnny and Katie Noland resided in Williamsburg, Brooklyn throughout their married life. Tragically Johnny's death came ten days before Francie's 14th birthday, two days before Neeley's 13th, and 3 months before the birth of his third child. Johnny had been looking forward very much to the birth of his third child. Johnny's professional career was mark by ups and downs. He spent years serving and entertaining customers as a singing waiter in some of Brooklyn's best restaurants. Unfortunately just a week prior to his death he had been dismissed from the Waiter's Union.

Johnny is remembered as a good Irish, Catholic father who enjoyed a drink and a good laugh. A simple man with big dreams, Johnny was a good, amiable and hard working fellow who was well liked by all who knew him. A loving father, a loyal husband and a great singer, Johnny Nolan will be dearly missed.

For those who wish to pay their respects to the Nolan family, a wake will be held at the Nolan residence prior to a funeral mass which will be held at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York at 4 o'clock on December 30th. Burial will follow at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.