Jazz-Flute.Com

From the Times:

Wilford ‘Bill’ L. Holcombe Jr. EWING – Wilford “Bill” L. Holcombe Jr., 85, died peacefully at home on Sunday, April 25, surrounded by his loving wife of 60 years and his children. Next to his bed was the piano he used to compose music. Born in Trenton, Bill was a lifelong area resident and graduate of Trenton High School. He studied flute at the Juilliard School in New York, and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in musicology. As a composer and arranger, Bill worked with Tommy Dorsey, 101 Strings, Peter Nero, and over 100 symphony orchestras, nationally and internationally. He also wrote more than 15 film scores. Bill founded Musicians Publications 35 years ago. Bill played flute, clarinet and saxophone and in his early career performed with Tommy Dorsey, Tex Beneke, Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians, and the New York radio station WMGM “Theatre of the Air.” He was also a Decca Records staff player. In recent years Bill had appeared as a soloist with many symphony orchestras around the country in a show entitled “Bravo Big Bands,” for which he wrote most of the arrangements. He also led and played soprano sax in the Philadelphia Saxophone Quartet. Son of the late Wilford L. Sr. and Isabel Tompkins Holcombe, he is survived by his wife, Helen Mooney Holcombe; son, Wilford L. Holcombe III, and daughters, Barbara Goehrig, Nancy Haber, Jeanette Schanilec, Heather Holcombe, and Kirsten Feldstein. Also surviving is his long-time personal assistant, Mario Singh, who is like family. Additionally, Bill is survived by 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and many cousins. Family and friends may call on Wednesday from 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. at the Blackwell Memorial Home, 21 N. Main St., Pennington, NJ 08534. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Samaritan Hospice at www.samaritanhospice.org. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Samaritan Hospice caregivers and Edward Ghanney for their exceptional care.

Sad. You will be missed Sir.

Another Obit here.