[2][3] Nolan was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and graduated from Central Catholic High School.

He served as a corporal in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart and 3 battle stars.

[6] During a 1971 debate, Governor Milton Shapp's proposed a 5% state income tax.

When the suggested rate was reduced to 3.5%, Nolan finally agreed to vote in favor of it.

He and three other defendants, including Vince Fumo and Pete Carmiel, were accused of placing "ghost workers" on state payroll.