Thomas Nolan, 54, a self-employed computer programmer and president of the 259-unit Lake Hinsdale Tower Condominium Association in Willowbrook, died Tuesday of cancer in Hinsdale Hospital. Mr. Nolan grew up in Oak Park, graduated from Fenwick High School and went to Loyola University, where he studied business and finance. He initially entered the family insurance business but left it to follow a growing passion for computers. He then became a self-taught computer programmer and opened his own business, writing programs primarily for manufacturers’ representatives. “He was drawn into the computer industry when PCs first became popular,” said his brother, Patrick. “And he could not only write the programs. He could take the computer apart and put it back together. He really could fix anything.” Mr. Nolan was successful at his business largely because of a gregarious personality, a great sense of humor and strong negotiating skills, said his wife, Margaret. “He was an excellent businessman,” she said. “He just knew how to talk to people.” In addition to his wife, Mr. Nolan is survived by a daughter, Kathleen Nolan; three sons, Thomas, Jeff and Mark; two stepsons, Kevin Koron and Jay Affleck; three stepdaughters, Kim Koron Lewis, Carolyn Parise Koron and Beth Affleck Servini; four sisters, Audrey Calkins, Nancy Walsh, Geri Dalton and Mary Jo Vail; and two brothers, Patrick and Michael. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday at PM Smith Funeral Home, 245 Madison St., Oak Park. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.
