Maurice “Mauro” Ferrigno, of Nashua, NH, passed away Friday, January 19, 2024 at the age of 91.
Maury was a first generation American, born in New London, CT on June 11, 1932, to Mary and Joseph Ferrigno, who had emigrated from Sicily. The youngest of four children, he displayed musical talent at an early age and was a pianist, composer and arranger. Maury attended Chapman Technical High School where he was salutatorian of his class. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in Music from The University of Connecticut. He studied composition at The Hartt School of Music before entering the Army where he served as a member of the West Point Jazz Band, having been recommended for the position by the great jazz band leader Stan Kenton.
After service in the Army, Maury received a Fulbright Scholarship in Composition to study at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. His works were performed throughout Europe during his time on the Fulbright. He remained in Europe traveling, studying and playing jazz for the next six years.
Maury married Helen Klidzia in 1964 and their adventure together began in Germany before returning home to Connecticut to start their family – two daughters, Lisa and Nina Ferrigno. In 1974 they moved to Nashua, New Hampshire where the close proximity to Boston, particularly the arts and culture scene, was a source of enjoyment to Maury. He was an avid runner and was a longtime member of The Gate City Striders running club. He ran in several Boston Marathons and many White Mountain Endurance Races in North Conway, NH. An infinitely curious man, Maury was a collector of antiquarian books, letters and ephemera and always had a new passion for collecting. He worked on cars – rebuilding the engine of the family automobile and engineering the method of removing/replacing the engine single handedly. But music was Maury’s greatest passion, the love of which he passed onto his daughters and grandchildren. He attended hundreds of their concerts including watching the live streams of his grandchildren’s performances from school! Maury had a great sense of humor and sociability, making lasting friendships all throughout his life.
Maury was predeceased by two older sisters, Mary Grace Andriewicz and on December 21, 2023, Johanna Theresa Ferrigno Miskill. He is survived by his beloved wife Helen; two children, Lisa Ann Ferrigno and Nina Ferrigno; two grandchildren, Ava Frances Andrews and Zachary Douglas Joseph Andrews; his oldest brother, Frank Ferrigno; and much-loved nieces and nephews and extended family. He was proud of his family and was a loving husband, father, Nonno, brother, uncle and friend. He will be missed.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page at www.farwellfuneralservice.com The Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH, assisted the family with arrangements.
