Kerry Echard Cavett

Kerry Echard Cavett, 78, of Akron, passed away on April 28, 2023. Kerry was born in Ambridge, PA on June 6, 1944, to the late Charles and Martha Cavett.
Hailing from the Pittsburgh area, Kerry graduated from Ambridge High School in 1962. He attended music schools, first at Morehead State University in Kentucky, then at Kent State University in Ohio. He went on to graduate from the Naval School of Music in Little Creek, Virginia. With sax lessons starting at the tender age of twelve, Kerry's resume began to take shape playing third alto with Dave Sporney & The Savoys at the age of fourteen. Consisting of young players from the Pittsburgh area, this band played regularly, and as most Big Bands in the 50's were doing, was striving to sound like Stan Kenton. Next came Andy Katrinecz & The Continental Big Band, various small combos and regularly playing throughout high school. During his time at Morehead, Kerry was part of the Jazz Lab band, and had the opportunity to play for several schools and Universities in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio. Including a brief encounter playing for the First Lady at the time, Ladybird Johnson at the Broadhead Hotel in Cincinnati. Kerry was later accepted at the Naval School of Music, where he played as a member of various navy unit bands and gained an extensive education in both Big Band and small combo work. His naval years found him touring the Eastern United States from Florida to Rhode Island, Canada, Newfoundland and several brief stays in Iceland as part of a show band.
Kerry took a temporary hiatus from the saxophone in the early 1970's and concentrated solely on the Graphic Arts. However, Kerry's strong desire to play compelled toward more study, practice, and ultimately, playing professionally again. Since then he's been a full time musician performing in over 100 nightclubs, restaurants, country clubs and special events in the Cleveland, Columbus and Pittsburgh areas. He has been very active with his band known as K.E. Cavett & Co. Jazz playing his saxophone, he taught saxophone lessons to young and mature adults, and was the owner of Kerry Sign Co.

Kerry is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Rosalie; brother, Charles (Nancy) Cavett; nieces, Jenny (Brian) Watkins and Wendy (Tim) Plyler; godchild Veronica Haase; sister-in-law, Charlotte Buzzelli; two great nieces, Cassandra (Joe) Prochaska and Madeline Plyler; two great nephews, Andrew Watkins and Timmy Plyler and a great-great nephew Alexander Prochaska.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road Akron, OH  44333.