Edward T. Bagatini Obituary
Edward T. Bagatini, 96, of St. Joseph, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026 at Arista Healthcare in Naperville, IL. Ed was born on November 26, 1929 in Calumet to Edward and Teresa (Galobich) Bagatini. His early music education was through a WPA project and by age 14 he formed his first band called The Modernaires. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Music Education degree and was a trombonist with the 5th Army Headquarters Band, where he became close friends with Bill Evans and performed in a jazz octet, The Casuals, at WJJD in Chicago.
Upon discharge from the Army, Ed settled in Michigan where he met the love of his life, Adrienne Aspengren, and married in April of 1958. Ed taught instrumental music in various schools throughout Southwest Michigan, and eventually set the foundations for the band departments at both LMC and Lake Michigan Catholic schools.
Along with his wife Adrienne he operated “Bagatini’s Music” in downtown St. Joseph for over 60 years, selling music, instruments, and accessories, and became a master of repairing all types of instruments. The store was Ed’s home base for his love of music, where he was a mentor and inspiration, encouraging students and musicians by saying, “Don’t try, DO!”
After establishing himself in the area, he directed and performed with many groups, including: The Bobby Davidson Big Band, The Jazz Assemblage, The Nostalgics, The Dynabones, Carol & Kaye’s Dixieland Band, The Renown Sound Big Band, The Ed Bagatini Trio, and The New Swing Orchestra, and continued performing until the age of 92.
Over the years Ed performed with many well-known musicians, including: Carol Lombard, Jackie Coogan, Patti Page, Michael Bolton, Leslie Gore, Frankie Valli, Bill Evans, Frank Rosolino, Benny Goodman, Bill Porter, Bob Snyder, Bobby Burgess, Jimmy Knepper, Vic Damone, and Danny Barber.
Ed is survived by daughters, Sheryl Bagatini of LaGrange, IL, and Julie (Steve) Hoffman of Sugar Grove, IL; grandchildren, Alisan (Yura) Cholewick, Austin Goetz, Samantha (Joe) Davies, and Savanna (Michael) Redd; and many nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Adrienne; parents, Edward and Teresa; and sister, Gloria Hrebec.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Service, with burial taking place at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to the Brandywine High School Band program.
A Celebration of Life event is planned for Saturday, May 2, from 1-3 pm at The Boulevard Inn in St. Joseph, where a small jazz group led by Ruth Livengood will be playing arrangements from Ed’s library of music, honoring his contribution to Southwest Michigan’s music community.
Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-mechinger.com.
