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.

Oh, Beloved Heather and family. My thoughts and heart is with you all during these difficult times. What a wonderful and full life your father lived! God Bless, Felipe

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 strive to inspire the musicians with whom I now work, I am forever grateful to him starting me on my life in music. What a privilege it is to have known someone who gave so tirelessly of himself for his country and his students. Thanks, Fred.

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 delightful guy. I used to have many laughs with Fred and Agnes. They were a powerhouse together. After Agnes'death and after time passed he found another wonderul partner in Joan. They obviously had many happy years together. The stage of our lives have all gotten a little dimmer with Fred's death.
God bless you all,

Fred

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 memories and fun times we had in crossing your path as a young person and adult. You gave everyone a chance. Thank you Mr. Harris from the bottom of my heart. John S. Ward 1954-1956 Needham High School

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

Dear Family of Fred Harris,
The Lord be with you.
My condolences and prayers are with you as you mourn the death of husband, father, grand-father and great-grandfather.
I hope that many will echo my thoughts and thanksgivings for the tremendous musical experience and mentoring received from Mr Harris while at Needham High School. His labors were truly a gift! His technical challenges and 'can-do' esprit de corps, method of conducting, directing a marching band, band exchange concepts are deeply embedded in my memory. These have served to help inspire my children in their musical pursuits - including a son who is majoring in music education, vocal performance and instrumental performance.
While I knew that Mr Harris had served his country, like most at NHS, I had no idea he was a combat-wounded veteran, and I am thankful for his service to our nation.
Dear family, the treasure of music and its performance which Fred passed along continues amonst the hundreds of us whose lives he touched, as well as the generations to come.
Sincerely,
Robert H. Marshall, Jr. (NHS '67)

We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.