Obituary: Coast Guard’s “Senior Chief Musician” Passes Away, 98

Byles Memorial Home

NEW LONDON, CT - U.S Coast Guard Senior Chief Musician Frederic Taylor Nazro 98, formally of Waterford and New London, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, February 8, 2020. Fred was born on May 26, 1921 in Boston MA to the late Marshall and Marion Taylor Nazro.

He graduated from Milton High School in 1939. The summer of his junior year, he was a cadet aboard Eastern Steamship Evangeline and made 89 round trips from Boston to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

After high school, Fred studied music at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA on a scholarship. Initially interested in voice and piano lessons, he eventually switched to the bassoon. The famous conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein, was a fellow student. Fred performed in the premier performance of Aaron Copland’s “Rodeo” at Bernstein’s request. Fred also played with Arthur Fiedler’s orchestra in Boston and became friendly with the late conductor. He was with Mr. Fiedler and several other musicians listening to the radio when President Roosevelt announced the declaration of war.

He joined the Coast Guard on July 25, 1942. He served briefly on anti-submarine duty before being transferred to the Port of Boston Coast Guard Band. He performed during the war in Boston and was transferred after the war to the U.S Coast Guard Band at the Academy in New London, CT where he was the principal bassoonist until 1952 and principal flutist from 1952 to 1963 when he became the recording engineer. He held that position until his retirement in 1980. While a member of the Coast Guard Band, Fred traveled the country to play in numerous concerts and parades including Presidential Inaugurations, his first one was that of Harry Truman. President Truman would visit with the band backstage and even play the piano for them. During Fred’s tenure, he received the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, the Meritorius Unit Commendation, The National Defense Service Medal and ten good conduct medals.

He was involved in many community musical activities. He was the director of the First Baptist Church of New London’s Senior Choir for 44 years, conductor of the New London Chorale for six years and the conductor of the L&M Hospital Nurses Chorus for four years. He played bassoon with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony as was the musical director for the Pfizer Chorus during which time he conducted their production of Camelot.

Fred was a photographer, and a HAM radio operator. He enjoyed sailing and traveling around the country. An avid model railroad enthusiast, friends and family, especially the children loved to see his train set and he loved showing it to them.

Fred married Lucille Pembroke in 1953 and raised their children in the Quaker Hill area of Waterford. Lucille passed away in 1996.

Fred then spent many years with his dear friend and companion Florence O’Connor traveling the country and enjoying their families. Florence passed away in 2012.

Fred was also predeceased by his son Alan Murray, his brother Richard Nazro and his grandson Daniel Brigham.

Fred leaves behind his son, Robert Nazro and wife Juliette of Oakdale his daughter Barbara Brigham Frink and husband Randy of Norwich. Grandchildren Adam (Desiree) Nazro of MA, Joanna Nazro of LA and Heidi Brigham (Max) Roach of NC. He also leaves great grandson Max who shares Fred’s birthday and great granddaughter Konley. He also leaves behind Florence’s family who treasured their Freddy Fred and his son Alan’s wife Judy and their family of MA.
The family would like to thank Greentree Manor and Hospice of Southeastern, Ct for their dedicated care given to Fred over the past 3 years.

Calling hours will be Thursday, February 13th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St. New London. A private burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery with Military honors will be private.Donations may be made in Fred’s memory to the Daniel J. Brigham Scholarship Fund c/o Waterford High School, 20 Rope Ferry Rd. Waterford, Ct 06385.