He grew up in Queens with brother John (Marine Colonel) and sisters Mary, Francis, and Rose.

After graduation from advanced flying school at Kelly Field, Texas in October 1937, he was transferred to the U.S. Army Air Corps.

Early in 1943, Nazzaro was named commander of the 381st Bombardment Group, Pyote, Texas, and led the unit to England in May where it joined the Eighth Air Force.

In May 1946, he became chief of the Operations Division, Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Bolling Field, Washington, D.C.

In August 1952, Nazzaro moved to Lake Charles Air Force Base, Louisiana to take command of the 68th Bombardment Wing.

He returned to the United States in July 1957 and was assigned to U.S. Air Force Headquarters as director of personnel planning.