LAWRENCE F. CHERNAUSKAS, SR.

Lawrence F. Chernauskas Sr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 8th, 2024. He was born in 1930 in Vandergrift, PA, to Frank (Knock) and Marie. Larry moved to Cleveland in 1954, but never forgot Pennsylvania(especially his alma mater, St. Francis College), and fondly retold stories including his uncles, aunts, cousins and sister,Marie. He reminisced regularly about their memories in the foundry row. Those years led him into early adulthood, providing him a strong moral and ethical foundation before he served in the US Army during the Korean War. It was in Puerto Rico where he found his passion for teaching because he taught English to the island’s soldiers. 

Larry gained notoriety at the ripe age of 26—no small coincidence, as it was the same year he was married.  He often attributes the year he met his wife and the year he started coaching as the most important milestone of his life. 

After only two years as an assistant coach (Gilmour Academy and John Marshall), Larry was named head basketball coach and Math teacher at West Tech, where he coached and taught for the next 26 years (1956-82), accumulating a long list of championships and honors coaching the boys’ team. That was barely half of his resume, however. He then made a seamless transition to coaching girls. He continued teaching and coached the girls’ basketball teams at St. Joseph Academy (1982-85), Gilmour Academy (1985-91) and Magnificat High School (1991-97), bringing girls’ basketball to a higher level. 

Larry’s combined overall record is 508 wins and 280 losses. Though these numbers show his greatness on the court, he had a greater position as head of his family. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Janet (nee Long), three children: Larry Chernauskas Jr. (Cindy), Laura Chernauskas, and Linda Dunn (Dennis), seven grandchildren; Robert Poulson (Lesia), Kristina Markos (Tedd), Michael Chernauskas (Kristin), Carrie Dunn (Jake Pleban), Matthew Chernauskas, Molly Dunn (Mick Mougey), and Sarah Chernauskas.  He is also survived by four great-grandsons, Chase Rivera, Elias Markos, Casey Markos and Toby Markos. He was also loved by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His family, friends, colleagues, students, and players, (and all who knew him), will carry on the legacy that Larry built, acknowledging the hard work, dedication and integrity that he bestowed on those who were lucky enough to know him. He was voted "Cleveland's Favorite Basketball Coach" in a 1968Plain Dealer Poll.  Larry was named Cleveland area coach of the year four times—twice at West Tech and once each at Gilmour and Magnificat.  In retirement, he was honored by St. Edward High School with its “Most Respected Opponent” award.  He was inducted into the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame and Halls of Fame of St. Francis College, West Tech, Gilmour Academy, Magnificat, St. Joseph Academy and Greater Cleveland Sports. He will also be inducted into the Sports Legends of Cleveland Hall of Fame in October of this year.

He had confidence and a sense of leadership that stands the test of time. “Coach C” loved to tell one specific tale. It was when he was questioned about the job he accepted as head coach.  The interviewer questioned, “Do you think you can fill these shoes?” Coach ‘C’ replied, “Well, I have very big feet.”  

He will leave footprints behind that might be next to impossible to fill, but those who love him will certainly try. 

We’ve all been touched by his mantra, and we’ll continue to echo it in his name for years to come.  

"Teach 'em the right way to do it, make 'em do it, make 'em do it the right way every time.”  

Funeral Service Monday, February 19, at 11:00 AM in the CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of NORTH OLMSTED, 29150 LORAIN RD. AT STEARNS where friends may call SUNDAY 1-4 PM. In lieu of flowers contributions to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.