Al Cervi Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) — Al Cervi, a pro basketball star who coached the Syracuse Nationals to the 1955 NBA championship, has died in upstate New York at age 92.

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

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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...

Gregory McNamara, M.D.

January 12, 2016 | Jacksonville, FL

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.

Larry Stonebraker

January 20, 2010 | Augusta, GA

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.

Dick Scott

January 03, 2010 | Leroy, NY

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...

Jerrod Bopp

December 17, 2009 | Rochester, NY

Remembered By

martha bonavito

December 13, 2009 | Ocean, NJ

May God Bless You Coach Cervi.

Don Rouselle

December 12, 2009 | Sherrill, NY

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

December 11, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Jon Lowder

December 09, 2009 | Monroe, NC

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.

December 08, 2009

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