George J. Reeves | Musician, 77

George J. Reeves, 77, an accomplished organist and pianist formerly of Bala Cynwyd, died of complications from a stroke Dec. 31 at Garden Spring Center in Willow Grove.

For 22 years, before retiring in 2002, Mr. Reeves played the organ at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral in University City. Until becoming ill last year, he had been the rehearsal pianist for the University of Pennsylvania Choir since 1980. He also accompanied musicians at recitals and occasionally played piano with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mann Music Center.

Mr. Reeves taught privately and for many years had been on the faculty of the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music, now the University of the Arts. He also had taught piano and chamber music at Swarthmore College.

"Music and friends were his life," said his sister, Janice Gnospelius.

Mr. Reeves studied piano while growing up in Abington. At 12, he performed at a Philadelphia Orchestra children's concert. He graduated from William Penn Charter School and attended Penn, where he received a Theodore Presser Scholarship for music. He was a graduate of the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music.

From 1953 to 1956, he served in the Army at West Point, N.Y. He played the organ at the base chapel and piano with the Army band. In 1960, he debuted as a solo pianist at Carnegie Recital Hall in New York.

In addition to his sister, Mr. Reeves is survived by a brother, David; three nieces; and four nephews.

A life celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, 3723 Chestnut St.