Howard E. Nolen

Howard Earl Nolen, 80, passed away peacefully on New Year’s Eve. He was born on June 13, 1945, to Earl Johnson and Corene Smith in Attalla, Alabama, the youngest of four boys. Howard was the first in his family to graduate from college, attending Youngstown University where he earned a degree in education. He then went on to obtain a master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He dedicated more than thirty years to teaching social studies at Freeport Junior High School, retiring after a long and meaningful career. Beyond the classroom, Howard made an enduring impact as a coach of various sports teams throughout the Freeport and Natrona Heights communities. He could often be found browsing the Bull Creek flea markets on Sunday mornings, picking out movies with his kids at Hollywood Video, or enjoying chicken wings and waffle fries (with cheese) and a Pepsi (no straw) at the Do Drop Inn. Above all, he was happiest tailgating before a Penn State football game. Seeing his sons on the sidelines as managers for his favorite coach Joe Paterno was one of the highlights of his life. Anyone who knew Howard knew that his greatest pride was his children. He instilled in them his love for Penn State and the importance of a good education, values that led them to attend and graduate from the University Park campus. Howard is survived by his children: Lonnie (Ciara) Nolen of State College, PA; Scott Nolen of Tobyhanna, PA; Sarah Nolen of Los Angeles, CA; Dawn Stobert of New Kensington, PA as well as his grandchildren, Everett and Harlyn. Friends will be received on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the Redmond Funeral Home, Inc., 524 High Street, Freeport, PA 16229 from 1-3 pm with a memorial service following at 3 pm with Rev. Seth McClymonds officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Nolen can be made to the Tarentum chapter of Toys for Tots (tarentum-pa.toysfortots.org).

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