Dr. Fred T. Nobrega
Saturday, May 11, 1935
Date of Death:
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Age:
90 years old
Visitation
Date: Thursday May 15, 2025
Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location: Co-Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist [ view map ]
Mass of Christian Burial
Date: Thursday May 15, 2025
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Co-Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]
Saturday, May 11, 1935
Date of Death:
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Age:
90 years old
Saturday, May 11, 1935
Date of Death:
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Age:
90 years old
Dr. Fred T. Nobrega
Dr. Fred T. Nobrega, died on May 11, 2025, at home. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist with the Rev. Msgr. Gerald Mahon officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass. Dr. Nobrega is survived by his wife Eileen and three sons Thomas (Kathleen), John (Patricia) and Paul and his three grandchildren Michael, Mary Catherine and Elisabeth Therese.
He was born of immigrant parents (Ferdinand Nobrega and Mary Ellen Fitzgerald-Bowes) on May 11, 1935, in Kansas City, Missouri where he earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry cum laude at Rockhurst University. He received his medical degree from the University of Kansas Medical Center, and a master’s degree in public health (MPH) from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. Following internship at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, KS he entered residency in internal medicine at Mayo Clinic in 1961, but his residency was interrupted by a call to service in the early days of the Vietnam War.
He volunteered for the Naval School of Aviation Medicine in Pensacola, Florida where he learned to fly and underwent survival training. He was assigned to the Navy’s Aerospace Crew Laboratory in Philadelphia where he worked on the early days of the Apollo Project and from which he received a letter of commendation. Following his active duty, he returned to Mayo to complete residency in internal medicine and preventive medicine. He remained in the Naval Reserves for 30 years, became the commanding officer of Mayo’s reserve unit and advanced to the rank of Captain.
After obtaining his MPH he was appointed by Dr. Leonard Kurland as a Research Associate during the initial development and funding for the Rochester/Olmsted County Epidemiological Project. These research efforts were designed to report on the natural history of diseases as seen over many years in the Olmsted community. He was the author or co-author of several early papers published under the project.
Following completion of residency training he was asked to become the first Director of Mayo’s Health Care Studies Unit where his investigations comprised studies on the access, cost and quality of healthcare services and the initial assessment of the evolving Mayo Outreach Program. One of his many publications entitled “Hospital Use in a Fee for Service System” first demonstrated the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care system in Rochester.
He was a member of the Division of Preventive Medicine where he practiced general internal medicine and was an aviation medical examiner. Active in various professional organizations, he was the specialty delegate for Preventive Medicine in the AMA House of Delegates and served on the AMA CPT Advisory Committee for 20 years. He was a regent of the American College of Preventive Medicine and Minnesota Chapter of the American College of Physicians. He chaired the AMA Preventive Medicine Residency Review Committee and was a specialist site visitor for the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education. He was a long-standing member of the Minnesota Medical Association, served on several of its committees, was a regular state delegate and served as president of the Zumbro Valley Medical Society (ZVMS).
He was a consultant to the National Leadership Commission on Health Care and an advisor to the US Health and Human Services Bureau of the Department of Health and Human Services. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the American College of Preventive Medicine, the Outstanding Service Award from the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association, recognized in Who’s Who in America, received the ZVMS Leadership Award on several occasions and its Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also a recipient of the Community Service award from the Olmsted County Health Department for his leadership in the passage of Olmsted County’s Smoke Free Restaurant and Bar Ordinances and Minnesota’s Freedom to Breathe Act. He also received the Community Service and Presidential Awards from the Minnesota Medical Association.
Following retirement, he served as Executive Director of the Zumbro Valley Medical Society whose commitments were to environmental issues such as advocacy for clean air and water. He was active politically and served as campaign chair for the initial election and reelection of state Senator Carla Nelson. He was Vice Chair of the Board of Clearway Minnesota, a member of the Olmsted County Health Advisory Committee, was an election judge and held membership in the Downtown Rotary Club, the American Legion (William T. McCoy Post 92), was a monthly reader at the St. Marys Hospital Chapel and served in the choir at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
He cherished his wife Eileen for maintaining her enduring love, devotion, and support of him throughout their marriage and especially in his closing years of life.
Some of his greatest joy in life however was watching his sons’ involvement in music (piano), acting and high school sports especially track and cross country. Weekends with his wife and family were spent boating, swimming and waterskiing. Family vacations included road trips across the country, including both coasts and visits overseas to Europe especially to his ancestral homes in Portugal and Ireland. In ultimate satisfaction, two of his sons followed his career in medicine and the third became a professional actor.
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Condolences
The family of Dr. Fred T. Nobrega has received the following condolences.
Eileen, Tom, John and Paul, I just saw this about Fred and I am so sorry to hear this. As you know we worked together for a long time and and he taught me a lot. I saw him just before I left Mayo 8 years ago and always tried to get ahold of him on his birthday but have failed the last couple of years. Ironic that the Lord took him on his birthday! Please know you were his life! Love and prayers to you all.
Carol Larson
Eileen and family,
I spent many hours with Fred over the past 5 years or so. We shared some common interests like Politics and Minnesota Vikings, just to name a few. He was a very successful and intelligent man. You could ask him anything and if he didn't have much information, he would get on his computer and research it in his office. It was difficult to ever stump him.
We talked a lot and he taught me so much. Sometimes we disagreed but we compromised and in the end... he was right.
He loved his family and he would do anything for them. But when it came to his grandchildren, they were #1. Fred, you have a wonderful family.
What Fred taught me right up until the day he passed is, if you set your mind to it and trust in God, miracles happen. You did it Fred even though we underestimated you... you did it!
I will continue to spend quality time with Eileen and stay in contact with your family, until we meet again!
Lots of Love, Kathy
It was a pleasure to meet Fred, Eileen, Tom, John, and Paul. Even though it was just a short time, the strength and love of the family during those days were empowering and beautiful. His legacy will not be forgotten. With condolences and deepest sympathy, Tad
Fred was a dear friend who we will all miss. He will be remembered as a kind, thoughtful, highly effective, profound thinker, a giant of a man blessed with an abundance of common sense. Truly, a rare human respected by all. His wisdom made him the sought-after advisor in so many fields. He left his positive mark on each of us and in our community. God has gained a very special soul.
I was greatly saddened to learn of Fred's death. Fred's zest for life made him seem immortal. I remember his wit, his razor-sharp intelligence, his dedication to his fellow man, and
above all, his kindness. I believe that Fred left an indelible impression on anyone who got to know him and set an example for so many of us who worked or collaborated with him.
His leadership qualities combined with genuine humility was something I admired. I always felt that my interactions with Fred made me want to be a better person. My condolences
to Eileen, his beloved wife and life partner, and to his children. I know they will feel his absence every day. May his memory soothe them and help them find strength and peace.
I am so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. He was always very kind, welcoming, and patient whenever I would assist him with computer problems. On behalf of everyone at Computer Resource Center, please accept our heartfelt condolences. It was always a pleasure working with Fred. I personally will miss the short chats we would have about technology and hearing about his past and family.
With all my sympathy,
Kyle Brawdy
Dear Nobrega family,
I was sorry to hear of Fred’s death. I have fond memories of him starting in high school when Tom and I were hockey teammates and going through our careers at Mayo Clinic. In my first year at Mayo as an Administrative Fellow, I did a rotation covering as the administrator for Preventive Medicine, where Fred had his practice. While there I saw what a fine “three shield” physician he was, with a passion for the practice of medicine as well as being an educator and deeply involved in researching utilization and cost of care through his work in Health Care Studies. I was fascinated to learn from him and it was clear he found joy in sharing his passion for his wide range of work.
The beautiful obituary describes a life well-lived. My condolences to you on your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Jeff Korsmo
I enjoyed Fred in Rotary. He was always a wealth of knowledge and shared joyfully. Thinking of your family as you celebrate his life.
Dear Eileen, I am so sorry to learn that your dear husband has passed away. My sympathies to you and your entire family. Fred had an extraordinary career, life and loving family.
Hugs, Ann Freund
Eileen and family,
We’re very sorry to hear that Fred has passed. You have our deepest condolences on your loss.
Bob & Sheri Nuss
So many years ago I was a babysitter for the Nobrega family. I have many fond memories of being with the 3 boys, now all successful in their own right, and Dr. and Mrs. Nobrega. I managed to stay in touch for several years, but time and distance interfered. My greetings to you all now.
I got to know Dr. Fred through politics. I thoroughly enjoyed all my interactions with him. Such a great smile and the perfect bedside manner!
My sincere condolences to the Nobrega family! I had the pleasure of having dinner with Fred and Eileen in Dallas in 2005, where we were attending an AMA meeting. I still fondly recall the pleasant evening I spent with them.
Tom, John, and Paul: Your father's life was certainly one well-lived. I wasn't aware of many of his fine accomplishments in medicine and healthcare until I read this obituary. His finest accomplishment, however, was his role as a parent (with your mother) in raising you three. Even in high school, it was evident that you all had the character and principles to become productive citizens and professionals. I know your father was very proud of the paths you had taken in your lives when we spoke at dinner that evening nearly 20 years ago.
Prayers and Kind Regards,
Dan Vick, MD
LHS '80