I am very saddened by this news. But thank you for posting this.
I knew and went to music conservatory with T Lavitz (University of Miami School of Music) in the late '70's. Most of you probably don't know this, but T was originally also a saxophone player (alto). My recollection is that it wasn't until he gave up the saxophone to concentrate on piano, that his incredible ability on keyboards really took off. But his great FEEL always shone through. He was a great talent, and one of my favorites.
As an aside, the Dixie Dregs evolved out of what was then the University of Miami Rock Ensemble. Some time after Steve Morse and Jerry Goodman (also students at UM) formally formed The Dixie Dregs, they recruited T Lavitz to join them. It was hot news on campus, and the source of great pride that T had gotten such a great gig.
He will be missed.