June, 2021
In 2020, Pavone enjoyed his home in Florida and in February 2020, Pavone presented a workshop at St. Petersburg College there. He also lent his music to the Helios Jazz Orchestra led by David Manson. A St. Petersburg concert of Pavone's music performed by one of his bands fell victim to the Covid shutdown. In 2019 and early 2020, he did some straight ahead work with vocalist/pianist Karen Benjey in St. Pete and Clearwater clubs. In October 2020, he live-streamed with Matt Mitchell and Tyshawn Sorey from the Telefunken Studios in Windsor, CT. The performance was sponsored by Litchfield Performing Arts in recognition of Pavone's 80th birthday. Pavone composed continuously. In 2021, as the carcinoid cancer that had plagued him for 17 years got the upper hand, Pavone managed to make two final recordings. One in February in Tampa, FL with his son Michael Pavone on guitar, Mike DiRubbo on sax, and Mike Sarin on drums. This recording, titled ISABELLA, was dedicated to his beloved granddaughter who passed away in 2020. The second and final recording, BLUE VERTICAL, with Matt Mitchell on piano, Tyshawn Sorey on drums, and Dave Ballou on trumpet, was recorded in March in New York City. This work carried Pavone to the end. He died on May 15, 2021 in the loving care of his wife Mary and sister Josie at his home in Madeira Beach, Florida. His life on earth is over; his music and his tender soul live on.

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