Frederick T. Graziano

🎼 Frederick T. Graziano, 85, of Eastham, MA, passed away suddenly July 21, 2015. Born July 26, 1929, Fred grew up a "city boy" in New Britain, CT. He was a professional musician by the time he was 16, playing accordion or piano at weddings. He graduated from New Britain High School, delaying college to enlist in the United States Air Force where he served four years in the Korean War. He received and delivered training in radio operations in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he met his wife Jean, the day after her 21st birthday. They were married December 3, 1952. He was stationed in Nagoya, Japan as both a radio operations sergeant and Air Force musician. After his service, Fred returned to Connecticut, where he attended the University of Hartford and graduated with a master's degree from the Hartt School of Music, with a focus on jazz improvisation. He taught elementary and junior high school music, conducted youth orchestras and produced school musicals in Windsor and West Hartford (CT) during the day and played jazz clubs at night. One of his jazz forays resulted in a Top 40 hit in 1962 ("Dimmi Tu," Johnny Mastrio Quintet). He and Jean retired to Cape Cod in 1985. In 1993, they began splitting their time between Eastham in the summer and Yucca Valley, CA in the winter, where the desert air helped his fingers stay nimble. He practiced piano daily, up until his death. He was a composer and a member of the American Federation of Musician's Local 400 and the Eastham-Orleans Elks Lodge #2572. His favorite roles were that of Husband, Dad and Pa and he has given all of us beautiful memories of wonderful times.He was predeceased by his son Jerry and granddaughter Gina Graziano. He leaves his wife of 62-1/2 years, Jean Graziano; daughters Connie Codner of Eastham, Debbie Warner of Luton, England and Ellen Graziano Smith of Hartland, CT and their husbands Paul, Graham and Fletcher; daughter-in-law Les Graziano of Reno, NV; grandchildren Nell Codner-Jarashow of Arnold, MD, Colin Codner of Swampscott, MA and spouses Ben and Heather; great-grandchildren Zachary Codner, Hannah and Amelia Jarashow; sister Joanne Mariotti of Newington, CT; many nieces, nephews and friends whom he loved dearly.🎹