Lt. Col. John Nazzaro, PhD, a retired career officer with the United States Army and also a retired professor of European History passed away peacefully at the Wentworth- Douglas Hospital of Dover, NH. The son of the late Thomas and Lucia (Delgado) Nazzaro, John was born and raised in Boston’s North End and lived much of his life in Medford. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon graduation from Norwich University in 1941, months before America’s entry into World War II. He then began a storied career in the military and academia. After two staff officer assignments, John was assigned to West Point to train future army officers and served as the last commanding officer of the Calvary Unit at West Point which was part of the 10th Calvary, the famed Buffalo Soldiers.
After the war, he held several posts in the Washington DC area and taught at the Armored School at Ft. Knox. He also earned an MS in history and government at Kansas State. When war broke out in Korea he was assigned to the General Staff Headquarters, under General Mark Clark. Among the many awards and Medals he received for his military service were the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Korea and an Army Commendation Ribbon for his service at West Point. After the war he went on to serve as Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence with the Continental Army Command. In addition, John went on to earn his MA in History form University of Pennsylvania and his PhD in History from the University of Laval. His academic career after his military service included professorships at Seton Hall University, and Merrimack College.
The beloved father of Ralph Nazzaro of Arlington, VA, Philip Nazzaro and his wife Lauren of Newmarket, NH, Mary Beth Werdel and her husband Matthew of Larchmont, NY, Lucia Nazzaro of Farmington, CT and the late Thomas Nazzaro, he was a loving grandfather to Peter, William and Alexander Werdel. The dear uncle of Norina Coursey and her husband Ed of Tampa, FL. He was also the brother of the late Ralph Nazzaro and Carmen Nones.
His funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Saturday, May 9th at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Friday 5 - 8. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in John's name to the Thomas J. Nazzaro Scholarship Fund c/o Norwich University, 158 Hammond Drive, Northfield, VT 05663.