Nathaniel John Nazareth, 92, of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 13, 2026. Born on April 9, 1933, in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Alfred and Anna (Harrington) Nazareth. He is survived by his sister, Dianne
Ferreira, and was predeceased by his brothers, Alfred Nazareth, Jr., and George Nazareth.
A proud Air Force Captain during the Korean War era, Nat served his country with distinction as a jet fighter pilot, flying with courage and skill and embodying the bravery and dedication that defined his generation. After active service, he channeled that same determination into building a successful, well-respected career at the family-owned Providence Casket Company, where his integrity, hard work, and commitment to quality earned him the admiration of colleagues, employees, and the community alike.
Nat met Phyllis White, an American Airlines employee, at TF Green Airport and pursued her until she agreed to marry him on February 2, 1957. They were married for 65 cherished years until Phyllis predeceased him in 2022. Together, they raised four loving children, Nathaniel Nazareth, Jr., Brett Nazareth, Stacey (Nazareth) Jacobellis, and Craig Nazareth. Their family grew to include ten beloved grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom Nat spoke of with immense pride.
An avid pilot, sailor, and sailboat racer, Nat found joy and freedom on the water and in the air. He proudly skippered and raced his Herreshoff S-Class sailboat, Red Head, affectionately named for Phyllis, and his beloved BI-40, Queequeg, as well as piloting his Citabria airplane. Nat was a longtime member of the East Greenwich Yacht Club, ye
Ancient and Secret Order of Quiet Birdmen, the VASA Order of America, the Rhode Island Pilots Association, the Rhode Island Air National Guard, the Massachusetts Air National Guard, and was the president and longtime member of the University of Rhode Island Foundation.
Nat lived a full life marked by service, family devotion, business success, and a deep love for the sea and air. He will be remembered as a born leader and for his resolute strength, conviction, generous spirit, unwavering loyalty to those he loved, and the courage he displayed both in the cockpit and throughout his life.
Nat's family extends heartfelt thanks to Nat’s companion, Merlene Mayette, to his friends who supported him in his final days, and to the dedicated and compassionate caregivers at South County Hospital who offered comfort, dignity, and a reassuring presence.
Rest in peace, dear husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, jet fighter pilot, and sailor. The skies were yours, the waters were calm, and your family legacy carries on.
A Mass in celebration of Nat’s life will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 65 3rd Street, East Greenwich, RI, on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 0930, followed by a ceremony with military funeral honors at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, 301 South Country Trail, Exeter, RI.
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