Fred August Nachman III

Fred August Nachman III passed away peacefully at his home in Paradise Valley, Arizona on February 8, 2025. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Fred was born on February 14, 1943 in Chicago to Meta and Fred A. Nachman, Jr. After attending Latin and Parker grade schools, he graduated from Lake Forest Academy where he excelled in wrestling and football. In college at Wesleyan University, he played football where he was known as “fearless, the short quarterback”. Fred’s enthusiasm for learning was life-long and in 1972 he graduated from The University of Chicago Business School. 

After working at Robertson Transformer Company, manufacturers of ballasts and transformers, his adventurous spirit took Linda and their three children to Phoenix, in 1977 to run Thunderbird Fire and Safety. Under Fred’s dedicated leadership for 44+ years, the company later became known as Thunderbird Cylinder. It was always an anticipated family affair every year when Fred drove a pumper to the kids’ school during Fire Prevention Week. Fred’s knowledge and success in his business was well-known. He was privileged to serve on a U.S. DOT government committee in Washington D.C. that develops the standards and regulations for compressed gas cylinders.

Above all else Fred cherished family time and teaching his grandchildren to play chess, tennis, the joy of a good conversation and that life’s best moments are often the simplest. His zest for life was evident in his many passions: reading, hiking, fishing, tennis, West Coast Swing dancing, and numerous social and educational clubs. Whether one knew him for a short time or many years, he will always be remembered for his quick wit, wisdom, integrity and love of people.

Fred is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Linda, daughter Melissa N. Kenly (Steve), son Anthony M. Nachman, son Peter J. Nachman (Morgan); six grandchildren: Logan and Laine Kenly, Sophie and Ethan Nachman, and Marlowe and Leon Nachman; sister Nancy N. Clark (Robert), brother-in-law Peter F. Karpen (Kristin), and sister-in-law Anne K. Pleatman.

The family held a private service and there will a Celebration of Life to follow at a future date. Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Team Mayo, Hospice of the Valley, and his caregivers for their compassionate care during his journey. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Fred’s honor to Hospice of the Valley (hov.org), or TGen Foundation-Blood Cancer Research/Fred Nachman (give.tgen.org/Nachman).