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SALERNO, Jr., Larry Carl
Age 69, of Sacramento passed away suddenly at his home on Tuesday, March 11. Larry was an exceptional jazz drummer and classical percussionist who played professionally for over 50 years. He was a life member of the American Federation of Musicians and performed in the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee from 1961 to 2013. He was a percussionist with the Sacramento Camellia Symphony, and recently with the William Jessup University Wind Ensemble. Larry's first love was always his music. He also loved to travel, especially to Europe and Italy, and never missed the Monterey Jazz Festival. He was proud of his Italian heritage and celebrated it with a love of cooking and fine wine. He had a passion for nature and the outdoors, deep-sea fishing, golfing and board games, as well as reading and learning 'just about everything.'
A graduate of UC Davis (BA Psychology, 1985), Larry was a respected Construction Manager and a founding partner of Anchor Engineering, Inc. A lifetime member of ACIA, he spent 11+ years with UC Davis A&E, and for the past 5 years, taught Construction Management at UC Davis Extension, using his own book 'Successfully Managing Public Works Construction Projects,' as a teaching tool. He was proud to have served his country during the Vietnam War.
Larry will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Salerno, his mother, Frances Carini Wooton, and his sister DollyAnn Salerno. He is survived by his wife Robin Williams, his brother Pete Salerno (Christina), brother Jack Wooton (Valerie), sister Tina Wooton Raya (Frank), and daughter Andrea Houghtby (Ed). Larry was deeply loved by his many nieces and nephews and will be forever missed by them.
Visitation will be Sunday March 16, 1-5pm, and memorial service Monday, March 17 at noon, both at Nicoletti, Culjis and Herberger Funeral Home; reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either the Monterey Jazz Festival or the Yosemite Conservancy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I've seen Larry enjoying life. Behind his drum set, keeping a solid beat, grooving with the other musicians, the slightest of smiles visible in his eyes, then a quick glance up at his wife as she sings. Right where he wants to be. In the middle of the music. All around him.
I've seen Larry enjoying life. Coaxing life gently, patiently into his tomato sauce, knowing just how long to simmer it, then make it wait in the garage so the seasoning could bloom and marry to the tomatoes, then back on the heat to finish in time for his hungry guests already savoring an Italian red in anticipation of the "sauce".
I've seen Larry enjoying life. Waggling into position over his next shot. Determined eye on the ball. Taking a whack, but with style, watching it fly, then starting to laugh as it turns off course, landing in the weeds. It didn't matter. We trudged ahead, gabbing and happy to be outdoors, with friends, enjoying life.
I've seen Larry enjoying life. Concentrating, eyeing the portions, mixing the perfect martini with the deft touch of an alchemist, hoping for gold. Then he appears, tray in hand to proudly present and humbly serve those he loves.
At the end of the evening, there was always a warm hand shake, a loving embrace and, finally, a big smooch on the cheek. That's just Larry, enjoying life, with those he loves.
Don Fritzen
August 13, 2014
I had the great honor of meeting "uncle" Larry back when I was just 16, he was an amazing man and always had a smile and great advice for anyone that was nearby. My heartfelt prayers are with his amazing family. Much love always,
Brandy Quinn
March 18, 2014
On behalf of Camellia Symphony, I wish to express our sincerest sympathy. I remember Larry from when we both played in Camellia. Since I play viola, we didn't have many opportunities to enteract, but I do remember him as a very enjoyable person to be around. He went on to play elsewhere, but when I saw his photo, his warm smile was to be remembered.
My God bless you in your sorrow and may Perpetual Light shine upon him.
Nina Vigil
March 18, 2014
I just heard about Larry and am very sad to lose a great friend. My thoughts and prayers are with wife Robin and family. Larry taught for my Construction Management program at UC Davis Extension for many years. He held a love and passion for everything he did. What an amazing individual and friend. He will truly be missed.
Kari King
March 18, 2014
The sweetest of men. Great cook, great musician, cat lover,
beloved, romantic and dearest husband to Robin. Loyal, funny, and kindest of friends. We will never stop missing your smiling face.
Jo Pierce
March 17, 2014
We were so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. He was such a wonderful man...full of life and love! His devotion to Robin was inspiring. He will be missed.
Paula Swayne
March 17, 2014
One of the sweetest men I have ever known. You always made the FAR GALS feel special! Thank you, Larry, from the bottom of my heart for making our dear friend Robin so happy all these years. Heaven is "jazzed" up now that your drums are playing there.
Cici Trino
March 17, 2014
Deepest sympathies to wife Robin, and all the family.
Lawrence and Louise Salerno
March 16, 2014
Andrea will miss her Uncle Larry Dearly as will I .
I am glad to have known such a Great Man who has left us too soon. May God be with him !
Roger Meyer
March 16, 2014
Keep playin! Here's to good times, old High school chum. Remember, the Best always have a special spot at the Table! Sharon Koger NDR class 0f '62
Sharon Koger
March 16, 2014
Larry was a kind and romantic soul who filled my dear friend Robin's life with joy. He loved Robin's friends because we loved her. I am grateful to have spent time and to have shared what were always interesting conversations with Larry. He was a generous and thoughtful man.
Sally Michael
March 16, 2014
Larry was a kind and romantic soul who filled my dear friend Robin's life with joy. He loved Robin's friends because we loved her. I am grateful to have spent time and to have shared what were always interesting conversations with Larry. He was a generous and thoughtful man.
Sally Michael
March 16, 2014
I never forgot you Larry. Rest in peace.
Lynne Eleanor
March 16, 2014
Larry was a kind and romantic soul who changed my dear friend Robin's life in unexpected and delightful ways. He loved her friends for loving her. I am grateful to have shared time and (always interesting) conversation with him.
Sally Michael
March 16, 2014
I was saddened and shocked to hear of Larry's passing. I'm glad I was able to talk to him and hear about his life at one of our NDR '62 get togethers. Such a nice man and he had accomplished so much. A fond memory - we were in first grade together - he was the cute kid who wore the sailor shirt for his class picture! I am just so very sorry for your loss - my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Sharon Jones
March 16, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. May the Most High God comfort you during these difficult days. (Psalm 83:18)
D McCarthy
March 16, 2014
Larry was a true friend and mentor. I was lucky to spend even more time with Larry the last few years. As we enjoyed meals, going on inspections, classes, great conversation, his being my mentor, along with Larry's plan to make me a great golfer... We had enldless conversations about politic's, the industry, sports, education, music and our shared love of 'all things Italian!'. Larry was my biggest champion. He insisted that I become an Inspector. I am doing so, thanks to Larry's confidence in my work and career... Recently he gave me some books that I will cherish and use in my inspection work. Larry was taken far too soon! I just can't believe it... We are planting a 'Weeping Willow, Olive Tree, Fig Tree, Meyer Lemon Tree, Rosemary and of course an Italian Cypress' in Larry's memory... Larry loved his family, friend's, music, nature ,his work, great food and Italian wine...
I will miss our golf lessons, inspection discussions, trips and spending time with Larry. Every day I will think of and miss Larry... I am so happy Larry made his trip to Italy... Larry did so much in his life. How did he fit so much into one life and do it all so well?... And with passion, joy, a big smile and above all class... I was lucky to be your friend Larry... John Lyons
John Lyons
March 16, 2014
I always loved the get togethers with my Sister-in-Law Tina and all her Italian Family!! Never a dull moment! Larry was such a nice, fun & loving man and an all around great human being!! They don't come better than he and he will be sorely missed! My love and prayers go out to all who knew and loved him..God Speed Larry...
Kellie Raya
March 15, 2014
A very nice gentleman, always made me feel very special. He will be missed
Geraldine Ayers
March 14, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Pete Elliott
March 14, 2014
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Funeral services provided by:
Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home5401 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95819
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