John A. Bavicchi, 90, Composer and Teacher

John A. Bavicchi, 90, of Newton, died on Dec. 9, 2012 after facing deteriorating health in recent months.

Bavicchi initially graduated from MIT with a degree in civil engineering. According to his obituary, he went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

When Bavicchi returned from the war, he enrolled at the New England Conservatory of Music and continued to study composition at Harvard University. He eventually went on to join the faculty of Berklee College of Music in 1964, and was made Professor Emeritus in 1997, his obituary said. 

During his career, Bavicchi amassed more than 160 vocal and instrumental compositions and received many awards for his work. He also held many conducting posts at local ensembles and orchestras.

Over the course of his career, the Newton resident began many ensembles of his own, but one England-based chamber group has named themselves after Bavicchi -- The Bavicchi Ensemble -- and performs his music internationally, the obituary said.

Donations in Bavicchi's name can be made to the Lewis/Bavicchi Endowed Fund, Berklee College of Music, Attention: Marjorie O'Malley, 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215 or to the Bavicchi Fund, Philharmonic Society of Arlington, c/o Christine Bird, 995 Mass. Avenue, #305, Arlington, MA 02476.

Read Bavicchi's full obituary here.