Frederick Augustus Harris Jr.

I owe much to "Derf", as we used to call him at Needham High. Thanks to the excellent music department he built in the Needham Public Schools- Annette DerSarkesian, Skip Norcott, Larry Gilbo, Bob Narducci , I went on to become a successful professional musician in NYC. I also remember Joan Chalmers. My condolences to you and to Heather.

He taught me to play the Susaphone by writing down the numbers of the valves to push on the music sheets. So sorry I never knew he was a fellow Shiner at Aleppo.

Dear Joan,
It is with much sadness that I send my heartfelt sympathy .... Fred and my Alan were such good friends back in the Rotary days...and as a group we had such fun together. May you find comfort in knowing that you have the love and careing of so many.

The world has lost another great guy. Fred is one of the nicest people I have ever met and he'll be sorely missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with Fred's family at this time.

What an impressive man! Having known Fred primarily as my school band director, I had no idea that he was a decorated veteran and a community leader wherever he lived. He was always brimming with energy and enthusiasm. His interest in me as a young student was the start of what has been a lifelong passion for playing and conducting music. I share a love of trumpet playing and a music degree from BU with Fred. And as I...

Dear Joan and other Harris family members,
Please accept my deepest sympathy regarding Fred's passing. I have known Fred for more than forty years. We were colleagues in the Needham public schools. He was a great teacher and a marvelous advocate for music education. He worked hard and made other people work hard but he always did so with a sense of humor. Fred was one of those people who was blessed with a twinkle in his eye.
More importantly I knew Fred as a friend. He was a...

I remember you so well at Needham High School in the 1950's when I played the base drum and the cymbals. I used to get tired hitting the big drum which would slow the tempo of the music down and you would vigorously prompt me to pick up the beat. I remember you telling us about how you received your battle filed US Army commission in WW2 and the risks it involved. My kids remember you coming to our store in Wareham to buy a bird bath or another item. You will be missed by all, but what great...

Fred,
Even though we didn't really get to know eachother I just wanna say I enjoyed your company @ Rotary and @ the Car Shows! You we're such a sweet and funny guy! Sean and Carolynne shared many stories w/ me about how close you we're to John. Know that you'll always be in our thoughts and hearts! Love, Megan xoox