Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Al Cervi Obituary
The 5-foot-11-inch Cervi was one of the strongest backcourt players of the 1940s and 1950s. Nicknamed "Digger," he was the 1947 National Basketball League scoring champion and MVP as a guard for the Rochester Royals.
He became a player-coach for the Syracuse Nationals in 1948, continuing in that role after the team joined the NBA. He retired as a player in 1953 but coached the Nats until 1957.
He was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985.
A Buffalo native, Cervi died at a hospice in Rochester on Monday.
The Anthony Funeral Chapel in Brighton, N.Y., says he is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ruth; a son; two daughters; and four grandchildren.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
39 Entries
Gregory McNamara, M.D.
January 12, 2016
Condolences from the McNamara Family of Buffalo and Rochester New York. My cousin Tim McNamara( son of Vincent and Peggy Jo ) and myself Gregory McNamara ( son of Paul and Mercedes) attended Al's Basketball camp in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains in the 60s. Both of out Fathers were good friends of Al. My father thought the world of him. I speak for Tim, and my sister, Mary Beth, expressing our appreciation for Al's passion for teaching and playing the game of basketball- but more importantly, the thousands of young men's lives he touched teaching us to be men of faith and integrity. Blessings--
Larry Stonebraker
January 20, 2010
I never met Al Cervi, but I was recruited into the Navy by his Nephew, Joe Cervi. About 6 months ago, Joe had his Uncle Al send me a signed photo and a little letter about the old days in pro basketball. It is one of my favorite things in my collection of sports memorabilia. Al was a true legend and deserved all that he had in life. Thanks for the memory and the photo and God rest your soul.
Dick Scott
January 3, 2010
I attended Al's basketball camp for three years in the mid 60's. Billy Hassett and Al Masino wewre there along with big George Glamack and Al's son Jr. What a great and most memorable time.
Jerrod Bopp
December 17, 2009
My Grandfather, Stanley Witmeyer, was a teammate of Al's, when they both were "stars" of the Rochester Seagrams.
I was pleased to be able to meet AL. I remember him introducing himself to me as an "all star". He had a great sense of humor, and had such a spark. He told me about his basketball history as a seagram and as a royal. It was then, that i was sure he would know my grandfather. Sure enough he remembered quite well, and we began to talk.
I am saddened to hear of this loss. May god be with Al, and my prayers with the Cervi Family - Jerrod Paul Bopp
How you can show support
Don Rouselle
December 12, 2009
May God Bless You Coach Cervi.
December 11, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jon Lowder
December 9, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
December 8, 2009
To the Cervi family,
I remember attending Al Cervi basketball camp in the summer of my sophomore year at Irondequoit H.S. circa 1967. What a fantastic time I had meeting Al and learning from him some of the moves he was famous for. I have passed on some of that to my daughter who is now playing High School basketball in Sylvania, Ohio. His legacy will live on.
Sincerely,
Robb Thomas Sylvania, Ohio.
JON LOWDER
December 1, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
December 1, 2009
I have thought of Al often since the years that he spent with us at Berman's Motor Express. My sincere condolences.
Sam Berman
Dick Scott
November 28, 2009
My condolences to Al'sfamily. I attended Al Cervi's basketball camp in the mountains when I was in high school in the mid 60's. What a true a true gentleman Al was. He was soft spoken and loved kids. It was an honor for me to have known such a pillar of a man. I will never forget him.
Dick Scott LeRoy High School class of 64
now residing in Green Valley, AZ
DICK MC GUIRE
November 25, 2009
I NEVR MET AL BUT HE WAS ONE OF MY EARLIEST SPORT'S HEROES. NUMBER 15;
SOMETIMES OUT OF CONTROL AFTER MAKING A
DRIVING LAY UP AND ALWAYS ON FIRE WHEN ON THE COURT. I WISH I HAD MET HIM
BUT NEVER DID. HE WILL LIVE IN MY MEMORY FOREVER AND MAYBE SOMEDAY I WILL GET TO MEET HIM AND SHARE A MEMORY OR TWO.
Rick Snyder
November 23, 2009
As a mere boy of 12 years old, I remember Al Cervi as coach of the Syracuse Nationals and as a part owner of a small sporting goods store in downtown Syracuse. I rarely missed a Nat's home game (my Dad was a manager at the Hilton Hotel across from the War Memorial). I loved watching him coach (very enthusiastically) but I must say he was very nice to me when I hung around his store on Salina Street, just to see him. Spent very little money with Al (bought a Junior Syracuse Chiefs shirt once)but the coach always spoke to me and that meant so much to a young, impressionable youngster growing up with the Nats. He had a wonderful, long life and I know his love for family and friends will live forever. My condolences to the Cervi family and please know that we are saddened by his passing.
Don McPeak Sr.
November 23, 2009
As a wannabe basketball player at Savannah NY High School I always tried to shoot an Underhand Layup like Al Cervi to get that foul. He and Mrs Cervi were kind enough to come to our tiny school and speak at our awards dinner one year. As a Syracuse Nat Player/Coach he was a household word RIP Coach
Jon Lowder
November 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Leo Bielski
November 19, 2009
To the Cervi Family;
Condolences to all of You , but remember the Greatness of Al and be thankful for all He has accomplished.He led some of the greats of Basketball , and They had the respect to follow Him. Al will be in the hearts & thoughts, and prayers of many , for a long time...I have had the pleasure of knowing Dolph & Paul Seymore and they , like Al, would treat you as an "equal" ,a quality that was respected.
Stephen Schultz
November 18, 2009
My memories of Al Cervi and his basketball camp near Old Forge, NY, are still vivid when I was a mess hall waiter and water ski instructor. I had that gig for two summers at Camp Eagle Cove on 4th Lake. He, Stanley Witmeyer and Joseph 'Bello' Snyder, owner of the summer camp, I believe, played together for the Rochester Royals (NBL) that I think went on to become the Minnesota Lakers (NBA). I had a crush on his daughter, Cathy, who completely ignored me....can't blame her with all the hunky basketball campers...or was it her father's watchful eye?? My thanks to Al for teaching leadership and sportsmanship.
Stephen "Schultzie" Schultz
JON LOWDER
November 16, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
MARK RIDER
November 15, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Antonio
November 14, 2009
Dear family of AL Cervi I am so sorry for your lost. Let me share a scripture with you at James 4:8 were it says draw close to god and he will draw close to you.
john connors
November 13, 2009
I watched al Cervi and the Nats play in Syracuse in the old NBL and in the NBA.It was a privlege to learn the game of basketball the way it should be played......HARD WORK,TOUGH DEFENSE,AND REFUSING TO LOSE!Thanks ,Al.
Miles Hanlon
November 13, 2009
To Al's Wife,Ruth and family
I did not know Al personnaly but sat next to Ruth at the Syracuse Nationals games in 1947 and 48. When he got nervous about things on the court,she used to say "well I guess I will have to feed him milk tonite. My condolences to you and your family.
Chele
November 13, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Alice Walker
November 13, 2009
I am truly sorry for your loss. Hold fast to his promise . . . . "He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." What a glorious day we have to look forward to.
Bonnie Andre
November 12, 2009
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Daniels Family
November 12, 2009
We offer our deepest condolences on your dear loss. May "the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort," and your precious memories of him ease the pain of your grief.
Al Cervi and his team at Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, 2005
Paul Worboys
November 11, 2009
The passing of Al Cervi removes a living voice of the days when pro basketball was in its formative years. Al's amazing memory served to create a visual picture of the venues and people (owners, coaches, players, referees) of that early era and its transition into the modern game. He transported the listener into those smoke-filled arenas of (among others) Sheboygan and Ft. Wayne, Rochester's Edgerton Park Arena, New York's original Madison Square Garden and the original Boston Garden, for veritable battles with some of the greatest offensive players and strategists of the day. Four years ago, a group of us convinced Al to return to the Hall of Fame in Springfield for the first time since his induction in 1985. Therefore, this was his first experience with the present impressive facility and he loved every minute of it. For 4+ hours going (Rochester, NY to Springfield), 4+ hours returning and 2+ hours touring the Hall, 88-year-old Al was wired, going non-stop in describing his hoop experiences as player and coach. Figuratively speaking, it was like we had the ball and Al was defending us. We were wiped out by the (joyful) experience! He was an "American Original," one of those rare people us common folk meet in a lifetime. Heartfelt condolences to Ruthie and her family.
louis carwell
November 11, 2009
Rest in peace and God Bless.
John Rice
November 11, 2009
I attended Mr. Cervi's basketball camps in 1971 & 72. Those summers at Camp Eagle Cove are some of the most wonderful memories of my life. He was a great story teller and coach. My condolences to the Cervi family.
Big Fans
November 11, 2009
How deeply saddened we were to read of your loss. While his name may not have come up often, he will be missed by all.
May you draw comfort and strength from knowing that his desire to help people is one that is shared by our creator and appreciated by many. Al is now in God's memory with the hope of being restored to life on an earth where, according to Psalm 145:16, the desire of every living thing will be satisfied. No doubt he will continue to help people as he did in the past.
Please remain confident that these promises will be fulfilled under God's Kingdom arrangement.
Sincerely,
November 11, 2009
My condolences go out to the Cervi family for their loss. I am one of those 5000+ kids that was fortunate to have spent 3 formative summers at Al Cervi's basketball camp. The work ethic he lived with, and the passion for the game and people he had, came through each day I spent at his camp. The funny thing is, that in those moments some 35 years ago I was not aware of the positive impact this man was having on me. Now at 50 I can look back and see such a strong alignment of what my own Mom and Dad were teaching me each day and how aligned Al Cervi was with my own family's approach to life and people. By my 3rd summer at camp Al Cervi had me on as a Jr Counselor at a reduced rate to help my family who probably couldn't afford to be sending me off to camps. I just want to say thank you to Al Cervi and his family. As an aside my Aunt had a crush on Al from his playing days in Syracuse, that may be a big reason I got to go to his camp, he was genuine and charismatic.
Tim Giarrusso (now of Brighton, NY)
Michael Heslin
November 11, 2009
To the Cervi Family:
I did not now Al personallybut I followed his career andthat of the Syracuse Nats from Binghamton, NY. TV was in its infancy as was the NBA. Al Cervi and the Nats introduced professional basketball as it should be played to the nation, albeit it was probably limited to the upper northeast. But Al gave hope to a large group of kids who thought they could make it in pro ball. May I thank the Cervi family for sharing him with us during those years. May God guide you as you make your way through this vale of tears.
Paul Bullock
November 11, 2009
To Al's Family:
I watched him play and coach. He was an impressive guy. I attended every Nats game from around 1950 on. He played with and coached some of the greats; Dolph, Red,Johnny, Wally, Earl; and on and on and on. Great basketball guy. My sympathy.
MADERO
November 11, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
R Golay
November 11, 2009
To the the family of Al Cervi - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow,I know that Al will be missed by many.
MICHAEL ALLRUTZ
November 10, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
DON CASEY
November 10, 2009
ONE WHO MADE THE GAME WHAT IT IS TODAY -THANK YOU
DON CASEY
Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results
Make a Donation
in Al Cervi's name
How to support Al's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Al Cervi's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored