Schroeder had been suffering from a form of Alzheimer's disease, according to Dale Olson, a publicist for Schroeder.
Schroeder was well-known locally for his many community collaborations, and nationally for his contributions to popular music.
He wrote 18 songs for Presley -- 16 of them hit the top 20, and five of those hit number one, including "I Got Stung," "Stuck On You," "Big Hunk of Love" and "It's Now or Never."
Schroeder also wrote songs for Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Nat King Cole, Chaka Khan, and Arlo Guthrie. He also was a recording producer for the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Burt Bacharach, Blood Sweat and Tears and Barry White.
He also wrote the theme song, "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You," for the cartoon show.
"His songs will pass on to those who never had the chance to know what a lovely man he truly was," said Arlo Guthrie, a Washington resident. "I was lucky to have met and worked with Aaron and [his wife] Abby, through our mutual friend, David Grover. I'm saddened to hear of his passing."
Schroeder was a supporter of local arts and was active in the campaign to build a new bandstand in downtown Great Barrington in the mid-1980s. He even wrote a song to be performed in the new structure.
His wife, Abby, was
"He was a wonderful, colorful, dear-hearted man who adored his family and spoke to the world through his music," said Kate McGuire, artistic director for the Berkshire Theatre Festival. "You really only need listen to those great songs he wrote to know who Aaron Schroeder was."
The Schroeders produced several high profile performances for the Berkshire Theater Festival, McGuire said, with performers like Lauren Bacall and Marvin Hamlisch, that generated substantial funding for the venue.
"For many years they were at the center of taking care of and building up the Berkshire Theatre Festival," McGuire said. "People still talk about those events."
Olson said Schroeder is credited with writing 2,000 songs.
Schroeder is survived by his wife, Abby, and daughter, Rachel.
Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.
To reach Scott Stafford: sstafford@berkshireeagle.com, or (413) 496-6241.
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