Fred F. Nashawaty, POW, 92, of Norwood, eternally beloved husband of Catherine (Brown), both born in Hyde Park, peacefully passed into eternal life resting surrounded by his loving family. He was married to the love of his life, his Kay, for 52 years. They met while working in the cookie factory in West Roxbury and planned to marry before heading overseas. Their parents denied the young couple their request.
Fred shipped overseas for the duration of the war and was awarded for many heroics. A staff sergeant in the Army, he landed on Normandy Beach where he was shot, assumed dead and left on the battlefield. His parents were officially notified and a funeral was held. His mom, Esma, never believed he was dead.
Young German soldiers found and rescued him. American soldiers, thereafter, seized the town he was in as a POW in a German Hospital, found their fallen brother and he was sent back home to rehab, for which is has been eternally grateful. For the rest of his working life he worked up the ladder in the Veterans Administration, in Boston, to become in charge of the real estate division, overseeing purchasing and preparing homes to be sold to other veterans. He took complete pride in his work and made sure his brothers in arms were taken care of. He never spoke of his oversees experiences as he dedicated himself to living in happiness, gratitude and positive service to those he loved, as well as those he could be of service to…always with genuine truth, honor, and integrity.
His personal life was only filled with his family. He and Kay were inseparable, and their two sons, Fred (and Mary Schmidt) of Santa Rosa, CA, and Rick (and Susan DiMarzio) of MIlford, MA and Fort Lauderdale, FL. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren through them: Kimberly and her daughter Olivia; Rick II, his wife Kellie, Ricky III, Kyla, Kaylyn, Rian; Bobby; and Julie were all that mattered to him. They were always present in his life, close as could be, and brought him joy and pride.
Freds parents, Abraham and Esma (Kardoos) were born in Damascus, Syria. They arrived in the South End and then moved to West Roxbury where all their children were born on Spring Street. His five brothers predecease him for many years: Elian, Thomas,Nicolas, Dimitri and Arthur. His three sisters, Laurie (John Balara), Elaine (William Cardillo), and Lyn and Mark Magiure will miss their wonderful big brother dearly. As will so many nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends and all those who came to his home looking for the "grandpas loaded with chocolate candy drawer".
His incredible nephew, Arthur (Buddy), his adopted "son" neighbor John, and his long loving forever Ruth and Tom O'Donnell, along with their daughters, Tara and Hailey and their families, were the huge support team of love and laughs through the years since Kay's passing and his life. Truer loving friends could not be found.
A gentelman, a real American hero, incredible husband, dad, grandpa, great grandpa, friend, wearing one of his favorite hats is now blessing us from Heaven…we love you and are eternally grateful for you.
September 24, 1921-January 13, 2014.
St. Jude Hospital donations In lieu of flowers.
www.lawlerfuneralhome.com