Donald J. Nowlan

Donald Nowlan, of Waltham, passed away at his home on Monday, March 25, 2024. He was 84.

Born in St. Marie, New Brunswick, Canada on March 21, 1940, Donald was the son of the late Cloris and Ida (LeBlanc) Nowlan. He was raised and educated in Canada, where he also met the love of his life, Fernande Girouard. Together they emigrated to the United States in 1962 and returned to their hometown to exchange vows. Waltham became their lifelong home where they enjoyed sixty cherished years of marriage together.

Despite his background in plumbing from Canada, Donald would have to secure an apprenticeship in order to obtain his plumbing license to work in the states. Initially working in oil deliveries, he soon joined R.A. James in Newtonville for a plumbing apprenticeship which eventually led him to ownership of the business in 1981. Donald successfully ran the business until his retirement twelve years ago. 

Known as "Mr. Fix-It" among family and friends, Donald possessed a remarkable ability to repair anything, often crafting new parts when needed and readily offering his help to those in need.

Donald enjoyed traveling the world with his wife Fern, including trips back to Canada, vacations to Florida, Aruba, Hawaii, and Europe. He was an avid rare coin collector, a passionate Boston sports enthusiast, especially for hockey and the Bruins and he found he enjoyed the simple pleasures of life such as savoring a cup of coffee with friends at Cabot’s Ice Cream in Newton.

In addition to his wife, Fern, he leaves his daughters, Lisa Nowlan of Bedford, and Janice Nowlan of Belmont; his grandson, Bryan Nowlan; his sister, Rita Larocque of Montreal Canada, along with many nieces, nephews and their families.

He was also the brother of the late Romeo Nowlan, Gloria Vincent and Rosemarie Larocque.

Family and friends will celebrate Donald’s life by gathering for calling hours at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, April 3rd from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by his funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.