Richard J. Nigro, 66, resident of Berlin CT passed away unexpectedly in Rock Hill SC on April 9th, 2021. He was married to Beth Lorch Nigro where they resided in Berlin CT and was planning to retire in their new home in SC. Born in Meriden and beloved son of Ann Nigro and the late Domenick Nigro. He graduated from Maloney High School in 1972 and Western Connecticut State University in1976 and in1982 with his Masters in music education. Rich, aka “Mr. Nigro,” was known for his love of music and retired from the North Haven Middle School after 40 years of teaching. He was an avid golfer, loved to ski, and was a huge Red Sox fan and was an outstanding clarinet player. He may leave us with sorrow, but made a huge impact on so many peoples lives throughout his life, so much so that his voice and influences will never be forgotten. He leaves behind his 4 daughters; Kristina Nigro, Amy Ruimerman (Michael), Rebecca Chabot (Justin), and Megan Berry (Lewis) as well as his sister Linda Labrecque (Ronald), a nephew Michael Mudgett, and 3 grandchildren plus his dog Lola along with extended family and step family.
Relatives, friends, previous colleagues and students are invited to calling hours on Friday May 21ST from 4-7pm at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home at 36 Washington Ave in North Haven. Funeral services will be held at St. Paul Church located at 461 Alling Street in Kensington at 9:30am and at Sacred Heart Cemetery located at 250 Gypsy Lane in Meriden at 11am on Saturday May 22nd. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Haven Education Foundation Inc. in his memory. (http://nhedfoundation.org/ or P.O. Box 413, North Haven, CT 06473)
We are so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Nigro was an inspirational music teacher for our son Andre as well as his golf coach at the high school. We always loved his winning smile and his dedication to teaching the valuable gift of music to so many middle school students. The middle school concerts were top notch with so many band members that they spilled onto the wings and off the front of the stage. That is a great testament to his charisma as a band leader. Mr. Nigro was always the first person to be photographed on school picture day at NHMS. His cheerfulness and smile was a great beginning to our day. Our deepest sympathies to your family. Rene and Joan Genest, from Storytellers Photography.
Sincerest condolences to the families of this wonderful gentle-man, educator, musician, golfer and Sox fan! Our times at NHMS and on the course were truly special! Safe passage, dear Rich
Words cannot express the sorrow in my heart for your loss. Rich was a man of many talents but most of all a great friend over the years. The last few years we had the joy of getting together a couple of times a year when he and Beth came down to Orlando. May he rest in peace and know that he was loved by many. Good bye my friend.
In 1982 we affectionately called him “Nig” (long I) He inspired me to a lifelong love of music and was always my favorite teacher. He was kind, sweet and caring. I fondly remember helping him with an assignment while he was working on his Masters. He gathered a small group of us to preform at WCSU. I played the recorder while others sang. He invited us to his house for dinner. We listened to records and, if I recall correctly, he sat and smoked a pipe like a proud papa. I will love him always.
Our deepest sympathy to the Nigro family. We had the pleasure of knowing this kind and wonderful man through NHMS band. Our son was fortunate to have Mr. Nigro as his band instructor. Mr. Nigro became one of the influences in our son’s decision to follow his love of music and become a band teacher. He was a great mentor. Our son is now the band teacher at NHMS and loves his job. We have wonderful memories of Mr. Nigro’s great NHMS concerts. His impact will not be forgotten. Peace, love and prayers.
I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to the families of Rich Nigro for their loss. I was a friend of Rich’s for many years and a member of the committee that hired him for his first music teaching position at North Branford Intermediate School in 1976. His dedication and inspiration to his students, his countless hours of volunteer work in CMEA for the advancement of music education in the schools as well as his great friendship over the years are the things I will forever remember about Rich. My prayers and thoughts for all of you in his family.
I’m sorry for your loss.
I was deeply saddened when I heard the news of Rich’s passing. Such a vibrant man, wonderful music teacher, and his dedication to his students went beyond the classroom! His smile was as big as his heart. I am grateful to have had spent many years teaching with Rich and sitting in his room witnessing the magic of music he created with his students! Whether it’s golf or music, Play on, Rich!
Holly DeMartino