Richard Voigt, an American businessman, jazz enthusiast and devoted visitor to the island with his wife Elizabeth, has died at the age of 82.

Lawson Mapp, the former Hamilton Mayor and a good friend of the couple, said the two had come to Bermuda “religiously” for decades.

Mr Voigt played piano at the Harmony Hall venue in Paget where he took the stage with Bermudian musician “Big Al” Harris.

Mr Mapp recalled his friend’s appearance alongside black musicians during the time of segregation causing consternation with local management.

Often turning his musical talents to charitable causes in the United States, Mr Voigt’s accomplishments included founding an addiction treatment facility in Harverstraw, New York.

He was prominent at Rockland Community College in New York, and a devoted supporter of the Nantucket Athenaeum.

Mr Voigt died on July 4, with a celebration of his life held on July 13 at Grace Episcopal Church, 130 First Avenue, Nyack, New York.