David W. Bargeron

David W. Bargeron

Wappingers Falls, NY - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Wayne Bargeron (1942-2025).

David, 82, of Wappingers Falls, New York, died surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday January 18th, 2025. David is survived by his wife of 39 years, Holly, and their child Augusta; Three children he had with his late first wife Sandra: Julianna, David, and Sojourner; His siblings, Richard Bargeron and Deborah Kuzmeskas; and his beloved grandchildren. David was predeceased by his son Jeremiah Howard Bargeron.

David was born in Athol, MA in 1942 to loving parents Dorman and Clara Bargeron. As a child he loved playing music, playing bass and trombone, often listening to jazz records with his brother. He loved the outdoors, attending Camp Wiyaka in New Hampshire, and joining the Boy Scouts where he became an Eagle Scout. In high school, David and his brother played in a jazz combo together, and he knew that jazz was what he wanted to pursue for his life's work. He studied Music Education and played in several jazz groups. This was just the beginning of a successful career as a jazz musician.

After graduating from Boston University, David got his first gigs with the Clark Terry Big Band and Doc Severinsen's Band. He joined Blood, Sweat & Tears in 1970, playing eleven albums and countless world tours with the group, leaving in 1978. He was proud of his time with this group, traveling and meeting great collaborators who he would work with for the rest of his life. David joined the Gil Evans Orchestra in 1982, and played with the Monday Night Orchestra at Sweet Basil Club.

After leaving Blood, Sweat & Tears, Dave became both a sought-after recording musician in New York and a well-known jazz artist. He toured and recorded with many famous jazz groups such as the George Gruntz Concert Jazz Band, George Russell Living Time Orchestra, Bob Mintzer Big Band, Rabih Abu-Kahlil Group, Birdland Big Band, Jaco Pastorious' Word of Mouth Band, Michel Camilo and His All-Stars Big Band, and Howard Johnson's Gravity. He played on records with Paul Simon, Mick Jagger, James Taylor, and Eric Clapton to name a few; and recorded several solo albums. He was incredibly proud of the music he made during his career.

During his time playing in tuba duo Tuba Libre he met his wife, Holly, during a photoshoot where she was a photographer and producer. They were married in 1986 in a beautiful wedding in Cold Spring, NY. They had a lovely life together and were married for 39 years before his passing.

Everyone who knew David, knew that he was an avid fisherman. He went fishing with his father and brother in his childhood and grew to love fly fishing. He became a master fly tier and designed a book that combined his two joys, fishing and music, called Jazz Flies. He tied flies about other Jazz musicians with whom he played and for whom he had great respect.

His favorite place on Earth was his tiny fishing cottage on a beautiful lake in the quiet north woods of Maine. He went there every summer with his family, eventually teaching his grandchildren how to fish there. He loved relaxing in nature with his family.

He did everything that he cared about with conviction. He lived a full life with a larger-than-life spirit, and he will be greatly missed.