John A. Wolaver, 35, an Ann Arbor pianist who this fall would have become an assistant professor of music at the University, died here suddenly.

He died at the home of his mother, Mrs. Earl S. Wolaver at 1310 Hill St.

Mr. Wolaver was graduated from Ann Arbor High School and the University School of Music. He had served in the Navy during World War II and was discharged in 1946.

In 1947 he received his master's degree in music at the U-M.

He taught music at Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, O., and at Washington State College at Pullman, Wash.

He returned to Ann Arbor this summer and would have started teaching piano at the U-M this fall.

He was born in Ann Arbor on March 18, 1920, a son of the former Margaret L. Lydecker and the late Prof. Earle F. Wolaver.

He is survived by his mother.

His father, Prof. Wolaver, died in 1950.

His only brother, David A. Wolaver, was killed in action in Germany during World War II.

Funeral arrangements have not been completed.