Frederick Augustus Harris Jr.

BUZZARDS BAY — Frederick Augustus Harris Jr., of Buzzards Bay and Largo, Fla., passed away Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, at the age of 92.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Chalmers Harris.

Born in Medford, he graduated from Hingham High School and received a Bachelor of Music from Boston University College of Music and later a master's in education from Boston University. He was elected to the University's Hall of Fame in recognition of his prolific activities on campus.

Fred Harris served in World War II from 1941-1945, and rose to the rank of major where he became the Battalion Executive Officer with the 110th Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. On March 7, 1945, he was wounded in action in Germany and spent 15 months in Army hospitals. He was the recipient of two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart.

Fred's 41-year teaching career started as director of music in Dighton in 1946. While in Dighton, he spent four summers studying conducting with the internationally renowned Pierre Monteux at his L'Ecole Monteux in Maine. In 1952, Mr. Harris became director of music for the Needham public schools until his retirement in 1977. Under his leadership, the music program burgeoned to 48 full- and part-time staff and 600 instrumental students.

During this time, he was director for several organizations, including the ROTC Band at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the choir at the Carter Memorial Methodist Church, the Babson College Men's Glee Club and the Girl Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps. He also produced and directed USO shows for U.S. troops stationed in Europe, including the "Pass in Revue" series, traveling 75,000 miles for the Armed Forces Professional Entertainment Division.

In addition to his music administration, he was the director of the Needham High School Band and was an accomplished pianist and trumpeter. He sponsors the Frederick A. Harris Jr. Music Award at Needham High School to two seniors with outstanding musical aptitude. He would recall his efforts at teaching music: "After two months of instruction, the kids join a beginner's band. That first note is a doozy. What it lacks in quality and pitch, it makes up for in enthusiasm. To a musician, it would be a disaster, but to a teacher it is the ultimate. It marks the beginning."

Fred was a member and past president of the Needham Rotary Club and a member of the Rotary Club of Bourne/Sandwich, totaling 56 years as a rotarian. Other memberships included Norfolk Lodge A.F. & A.M. Needham, Aleppo Shriners Temple Wilmington, and the Cape Cod Shrine Club. He loved boating and was a member of the Clearwater Sail and Power Squadron, as well as the Onset/Marion Flotilla 63 where he was operator and communications qualified.

Fred was predeceased by his first wife of 40 years, Agnes Munro Harris; a sister, Dorothy; and a brother, Robert.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Susan S. Harris and Heather S. Harris; a son, William M. Harris and his wife Paula; five grandchildren, Eric, Nicole, Morgan, Andraya and Sawyer; and two brothers, William and his wife Stormy, and Richard and his wife Deni.

There will be no visiting hours. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rotary Club of Bourne/Sandwich, Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School, 220 Sandwich Road, Bourne, MA 02532.

Online condolences may be left at www.doanebealameshyannis.com.

Doane, Beal & Ames

508-775-0684