Nicholas Vincent Gravagne

Nicholas “Nick” Gravagne (1949–2026)

Nicholas “Nick” Vincent Gravagne of Strawberry, Arizona, passed away on April 13, 2026, at the age of 77.

Born on February 9, 1949, in the Bronx, New York City, Nick combined a sharp mechanical mind with a lifelong passion for pianos and music. He earned a BA from William Paterson University and an AST in Mechanical Engineering before moving west and eventually settling in the Southwest. A Registered Piano Technician (RPT) since 1975—and active in the field since 1973—he dedicated more than five decades to the craft of piano design, rebuilding, and restoration. Nick was especially renowned for crafting hundreds of custom soundboards and for developing instructional videos, software tools, and resources that helped piano technicians worldwide. As Technical Service Manager for Kawai America and technical editor of the Piano Technicians Journal, he presented technical classes at Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) conferences, authored numerous articles, and served as one of the instructors in the renowned Renner Academy. His generous mentoring and problem-solving skills earned him the PTG Member of Note Award, induction into the PTG Hall of Fame, and the 2019 Golden Hammer Award. Colleagues and students remember him as a brilliant instructor who could condense even the most complicated subjects in a way that a 6-year-old could understand.

Beyond the workbench, Nick was an outstanding vocalist and drummer who brought rhythm and joy to many gatherings. He loved being outdoors—especially hiking—cooking delicious meals, and, above all, spending quality time with his family. Those who knew him will remember him as kind, loving, and patient.

Nick is survived by his loving wife, Peg Gravagne, RPT; his step-daughter Carlin Yamada (Robert) of Brea, CA; his children and their spouses: Ian and Ann Gravagne of Waco, TX; Casey and Amy Creel of Edgewood, NM; Stephen and Liz Gravagne of Sandia Park, NM; and Anthony and Jaren Gravagne of Albuquerque, NM; and his cherished grandchildren: Gina, Lydia, and Ray; Cody and Ava; Serafina and Isabella. He is also survived by his siblings: Anthony and Yvonne Gravagne, David and Susan Dinges, and Steven and Jean Gravagne.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Jenny Gravagne, and his sister Laura and brother-in-law Frank Wdoviak.

A memorial service celebrating Nick’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Strawberry Chapel in the Pines, 8579 Fossil Creek Road, Pine, AZ 85544.

Nick’s legacy lives on in the beautifully restored pianos that sing because of his hands, in the music he created and shared, and most deeply in the love, wisdom, and memories he gave to his family. He will be profoundly missed for his generosity, creativity, and quiet dedication to those he cherished.