William Clemmer, a jazz musician who performed across Massachusetts, died Feb. 14 of cancer. He was 80 and lived in Northborough.
Mr. Clemmer was born in Waltham, graduated from Hudson High School, and enlisted in the US Army in 1945. He wanted to see combat, but since he was an accomplished pianist, he was assigned to play in a military band. With the USO, Mr. Clemmer traveled across Europe and shared the stage with such musicians as Tony Bennett.
After the war, Mr. Clemmer studied at the Berklee College of Music and spent a few years in the 1950s teaching there. He ran a music shop, and it was there where he met his wife, Pat Goodwin, who came to buy sheet music.
Mr. Clemmer performed with the Worcester Music Association and the Winiker Orchestra.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Clemmer leaves his children, Bill Jr. of the Democratic Republic of Congo; Dan of Albuquerque; Richard of South Yarmouth; Kristen of Ware; Scott of Grafton; David of Northborough; and Erika of Northborough; and 18 grandchildren. Two children predeceased him. Services have been held.
