×

Friends recall skills, humor of Dr. Nolan

WEIRTON — Many in Weirton knew Dr. Sean Nolan as the humerous Irish doctor at Weirton Medical Center with the good bedside manner. He was that, but also an internationally-known endocrinologist who made advancements in the fields of nutrition, diabetes and metabolism, according to officials at the hospital.

Nolan died on Saturday in Pittsburgh.

Nolan was born and raised in Ireland and received his medical degree from the University College Galway. He emigrated to the United States in 1967, first working in Youngstown and later, Pittsburgh, before opening a private practice at the WMC medical office building.

Nolan was fluent in both English and Gaelic.

According to Dr. Vardhan Reddy, the WMC chief medical officer, Nolan spoke about diabetes across the globe.

“He was a great gentleman,” he said. “He was an internationally-renown physician. We were so fortunate to have him here.”

“Dr. Nolan was a long-time member of the WMC medical community, and we were quite fortunate to have a physician of his caliber in our community,” Kelli McCoy, WMC director of communications, said. “He was not only loved by his patients and respected by his colleagues, he was also a nationally-recognized endocrinologist. He will be missed here at WMC.”

According to Reddy, Nolan worked with the USDA and had a hand in shaping the way Americans eat.

“He worked with the USDA to develop the food pyramid,” he said.

According to those who knew him, Nolan’s greatest gift was his way with his patients.

“As a person (he) was so gentle and so kind — always making everyone smile,” Reddy said.

Nolan is survived by his son, Sean Nolan; his companion Patricia Grabowski; and former wife, Maeve Nolan; along with several siblings, nieces and nephews.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today