John L. Swagher a longtime Needham resident died on Tuesday, March 14 at the Sunrise Assisted Living in Norwood. He was 94 years old. Born in Italy, Mr. Swagher had been a Needham resident since 1953. An accomplished, self-taught musician, he played and taught the saxaphone, clarinet, flute and other instruments. Mr. Swagher was a music teacher in the Needham and Framingham Elementary Schools and retired from the Framingham School Department in 1974. He continued to give private music lessons from his home for many years. John played in the bands of several well artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Mal Holland and Don Russell. In his retired years John worked as a grocers assistant at Roche Brothers Super Market in Needham The beloved husband for 62 years of the late Gilanda “Jill” (Bennotti). He was the loving father of Sally A Scholl of Canton and dear grandfather of John L. and his wife Donna Scholl of Walpole. John also leaves his two great grandchildren; Melissa and Sara Scholl. Funeral services at the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave Needham on Saturday March 18th at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Visiting hours Friday evening from 5-8 PM. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellesley. In lieu of flowers memorials in John’s memory may be made to Vista Care Hospice 690 Canton St. Westwood, MA 02090.