Former Monroe County Commuications Director

Rochester/Honeoye: Robert Nolan, long time publicist and public relations professional in the Rochester Community, died January 21st 2009 in Ocala, Florida after a brief illness. He was 66. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara (Weitz.)

A Long time resident of Perinton (Bushnell’s Basin) Nolan retired in 2004 as Deputy Director of Communications for Monroe County. Nolan also worked as Public Information Officer for the Sheriff’s Office during his county career.

Before joining the county, Nolan was Director of Public Relations and Corporate Communications at First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Rochester starting there in 1982. He previously was a self employed communications consultant providing advertising and public relations services to corporate, municipal, political, and retail clients.

Nolan is a past president of the Rochester Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and is a recipient of the Sharleen M. Bruse Award, the highest professional award offered by the chapter. He was a member of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Growing up in the 19th ward of Rochester, Nolan was a graduate of Our Lady of Good Council grammar school and West High School. He joined the Air Force in the early 60’s as a military policeman and later in Information Services, serving in Portsmouth N.H. and Spain. After service he moved to California where he attended Los Angeles City College and graduated from California State University at Los Angeles with a BA in journalism. He also held a MA in Mass Communications from SUNY Geneseo.

Interested in the theater from an early age, Nolan was an actor with the Rochester Community Players and was an actor while living in California. In later years he was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the High Falls Film Festival.

Active in scouting as a youth, he had a love of the outdoors all his life. He was an active member of the Honeoye Fish and Game Club and was never happier than being out in hunting season or working with the tractor on his property in Honeoye. Nolan kept a boat at Lake Ontario for many years and realized a boyhood ambition and became a pilot in the 1980’s.

He served on the Perinton Planning Board from 1981 to 1987. He also served on the Monroe County Airport Development Advisory Council, Strong Children’s Medical Center Advisory Board, and the Advisory Board to the Vietnam Veterans Outreach Center. Nolan was a past president of the St. John of Rochester’s Men’s Club and a past member of the Rochester Press Radio Club Charities. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, The Ancient Order of Hibernians and the American Legion.

Bob is survived by his wife Barbara Wietz Nolan and his father John H. Nolan. Predeceased by his mother, Patricia (Dwyer), and his brother Timothy.

Survivors include his brother, John P. Nolan and his wife Ginger (Rochester); His sister, Nancy Collins and her husband Neil (Boston); his brother, Terrance Nolan, and his wife, Barbara (Rochester); his sister, Deborah Reilly and her husband Terence (Baltimore); brother in law Wayne Wietz and his wife Shannon (San Antonio); brother in law Wesley Wietz and his wife Linda (Hamlin) and numerous nieces, nephews, and counsins..

Friends may call Friday, January 30, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc. Routes 15 & 20A (21 Big Tree Street) Livonia. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 11AM at St. Matthews Church on Rte 20A in Livonia. Spring Interment. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 15 Prince Street, Rochester, NY 14607. To send condolences, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com