Philip S. Nurmi

Philip (Phil) S. Nurmi, 77, resident of Milford, NH, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, after a period of failing health.

He was born on April 12, 1949, in Fitchburg, MA, a son of the late Tenho and Evelyn (Clouet) Nurmi. Phil was raised and educated in Fitchburg, graduating from Fitchburg High School and later attending Berklee College of Music in Boston. Phil married Janice (Leger) and together made their home in Fitchburg for many years before relocating to Milford over eleven years ago, to be closer to family.

As a young man, Phil was a cycling enthusiast. He trained by riding up to the summit of Mount Wachusett and back to his home on Rollstone Street, and participated in the well-known Longsjo Classic bike race in Fitchburg, MA.

Phil was a skilled musician with a profound passion for music. He was a member of the Kingsmen Drum & Bugle Corps and taught both public school music classes and private lessons. Phil was a proud member of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 173-300. He arranged and composed music, writing each chart out by hand. He played with orchestras for regional musicals and with many bands over the years, from Montachusett Jazz Revival and Sunnysiders to Horizon and Crossroads. He honored our veterans by playing "Taps" at their funerals and each Memorial Day outside of his home for all to hear. Most recently, Phil played seasonal concerts with the Leominster Colonial, Fitchburg Military, and Ashby Town Bands.

Phil was also a devoted member of AA, where he would sponsor and support his fellow members over his 33 years of sobriety. He enjoyed reading, following the Red Sox, and spending time with his adoring family. Phil’s gentle nature, warm smile, fellowship, and loyalty will be greatly missed by many.

Phil is survived by his loving wife, Janice Nurmi of Milford, NH, his son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Melissa Nurmi of Amherst, NH, his daughter Rebecca Nurmi of Milford, NH, his two grandsons, Beckett and Jacoby Nurmi, and his sister, Margaret Cavoli of Old Wethersfield, CT, as well as many nieces and nephews who were always close to his heart. In addition to his parents, Phil was predeceased by his two siblings, Richard Nurmi and Ruth Ann Lussier.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick Church, 34 Amherst Street, Milford, NH. Burial will be private for the family in Fitchburg, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation be made to the Leominster Colonial Band (https://colonialband.org/pages/giving.html) or other deserving charity.