The East Providence High School community and especially those alums who participated in the music program there for three decades from the late 1950s to the late 1980s were deeply saddened by the passing of John Pavao on Sunday, Jan. 9.

Pavao, affectionately known as “JP” to the thousands of students he taught at EPHS, was a part of the music department faculty from 1959 until his retirement in 1987. A member of the East Providence High School Hall of Fame Class of 2014, Pavao was the guiding force behind the “Pride of East Providence” Marching Band program during his tenure as well as several others to receive state-wide and regional recognition for their excellence.

The following are some of the thoughts of his former students, beginning with those of Tom Brun, EPHS Class of 1977:

“As a former member of the EPHS band while under his guidance and direction, I have many fond memories of Mr. Pavao affectionally called ‘JP.’ He touched the lives of so many of his students. There’s no doubt in my mind that there will be many tributes of him. Thank you for allowing me to share a few of my personal memories with you.

“In the fall of 2014, a dozen or so former band members reunited with Mr. Pavao, as he would be one of the EPHS Hall of Fame inductees for that year. Before the ceremonies began, he shared several memories and stories of his career in East Providence. The stories were mostly of former band members and their respective classes. There were lots of smiles and laughter.

“I’m reminded of the time when the band members from the class of 1977-1979 decided that it would be a good idea to publicly honor our ‘leader of the band’ in celebration of his birthday. It was decided that on a Sunday morning the EPHS marching band would parade down his quiet street to his home in the Ocean Grove section of Somerset.

“As an adult, I now have a much greater appreciation and understanding of his initial shock and dismay at the very noticeable and unannounced visit of his students. I recall fellow bandmember/classmate Servulo Gonsalves ensuring the guest of honor that there was nothing to worry about, as he produced a permit issued by the town of Somerset. The student organizers of this caper had the foresight to obtain the necessary paperwork. There was no further discussion or concern about the matter at hand. JP had taught his students well indeed, and in more ways than simply music.

“About a week after the EPHS Hall of Fame dinner a small gathering was held at a local restaurant with Mr. and Mrs. Pavao. It gave a chance to those who couldn’t attend the Hall of Fame dinner an opportunity to share their stories, admiration and appreciation to the guest of honor. I recall Mrs. Barbara Pavao saying that there were more than a few Saturdays and evenings where being the band director required John’s time away from home. She said that she didn’t mind it at all because he enjoyed it so much. We owe Barbara a very sincere thank you as well for sharing her husband with us. John R. Pavao touched and inspired so many lives and we are forever grateful.”

Anne Mello Whiteaker, Class of ’78: “He taught me how to strive to be better. I've continued in music and he had a lot to do with it. He made us an outstanding band and a family that will always have great memories. So sad.”

Joe Dovale, Class of ’77: “All I can say be was such a nice man. He touched so many lives and I know I am a better person because of him. To this day I value the friendships. We were like family!”

Michael "Tuba" Heatherton, Class of ’78: “I met him during my sophomore year at EP ('75-'76). After seeing the EP Concert Band perform Beethoven's Wellington's Victory, I begged JP to let me be in the band. At that time I played no instruments.

"Eventually, he put a large heavy black case into my arms and gave me the summer of '76 to learn to play what was in it. I kinda did, and come autumn I was wrapped in a sousaphone and a band uniform. Thanks, JP! You were very patient with me.

"Today music is most of my life, and has been ever since you handed me the tuba. Happy journey. I hope to play for you again.”

A funeral/memorial for Pavao will be Monday, June 13, at 11 a.m. at St. Dominic's Church in Swansea.