Theodore P. “Ted” Casher, “renowned Jazz Musician", age 85, of Bridgewater passed away January 22nd. Born in Waterbury, CT, Ted was raised in Skowhegan, ME, graduating from Skowhegan High School. He went on to graduate from Boston Conservatory/Berklee College of Music and studied at Harvard University. He was a Professor at Berklee, University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island School of Music. Ted also taught at many high schools in MA and RI. He was a member of the American Federation of Musicians and the Boston Musicians Assn.
Ted was a Legendary Jazz Musician who performed over the years with famous musicians, such as The Dorsey Brothers, Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, the Al Corey Band, Hal McIntyre, Peter Duchin, Winiker Family Orchestra, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Mathis, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, Harry James, John Denver, Tony Bennett, Jerry Lewis, Tony Orlando, and many others.
Beloved husband of Velma J. (Wyman) Coffey of Bridgewater. Father of Dana Casher and her husband Roger of Monson, MA, Elizabeth Casher and her husband Greg of Cranston, RI, Lisa Casher-Martel and her husband Edward of Gorham, ME and Zac Casher of Mansfield, MA. he was pre-deceased by his parents Bernard and Rebecca (Russakoff) Casher, and his first wife Darlene (Eaton) Casher. Also survived by 4 grandchildren, Abe Gobel, Cassie Martel, Sam Martel and Isaac Martel. Ted is also survived by 2 step-children, Philip Coffey of Bridgewater, MA, Dawn Crouch and her husband Andrew of Crowley, TX and 2 step-grandaughters, Jessa Rodriguez and Hannah Coffey.
Visiting hours for relatives, friends and music lovers at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St. Canton will be held on Monday, January 30th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. The visitation will begin with a brief prayer service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ted's memory can be made online at the Maine Music Educators Association website.