Larry F. Cervi

Of Churchill, a spirited and passionate educator, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 29, 2026, just 2 days after his 90th birthday. Larry's creativity and dedication to the performing arts left an indelible mark on countless students and communities, as he leaves behind a legacy of laughter, learning and the magic of performance.

Larry was the beloved husband of Donna (Czekaj) Cervi for 65 years.

He was the loving father of Jeffrey (Wendy) Cervi of FL, Amy (John) Wallace of Coraopolis, Kevin (Karen) Cervi of Export and Gary (Crissy) Cervi of Chester Springs, PA.

Larry was blessed with 11 grandchildren: Jessica (Ben) Kowatch, Stephanie (Brian) Tempesta, Kaylie & Jillian Wallace, Karsen & Kameron Cervi, Jonathan, Justin, & Catherine Cervi, Maggie & Mason Maury and great grandfather of Caroline & Meredith Kowatch & Matteo Tempesta.

Larry is also survived by his brother, Ronald (Anita) Cervi of Aliquippa.

Larry was a 1954 graduate of Aliquippa High School where he served as the first Drum Major for the marching band. He enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh and was awarded a scholarship as Drum Major for the Pitt Marching Band. Upon earning his Bachelor's in Education from Pitt, Larry embarked on his teaching career at Swissvale High School. At the same time, he served our country as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves from where he was honorably discharged in 1965.

In 1963, he taught English, Speech and Drama for the newly formed Churchill School District. While at Churchill, he founded the Drama Department and the school's majorette team, The Sparkling Chargerettes.

Larry's influence extended beyond Churchill as he founded The Golden Girls majorettes at Pitt and choreographed for The Touch of Blue at Penn State. His legacy in the marching arts community was further cemented with the creation of the Golden Triangles Drum and Baton Corps and the North Hills Buccaneers Drum and Baton Corps.

Larry directed musicals and plays in 7 different school districts in the Western Pennsylvania region in addition to the Jewish Community Center in Pittsburgh and CCAC.

Larry continued these endeavors after retiring from the school district. However, always the teacher, he founded 4 Performing Arts Studios in the Pittsburgh area. Emerging from his Point Breeze school, Larry's notable and famous performance ensemble for youths, "The East End Kids" was born. Larry's group and signature accomplishment, "The East End Kids", have provided song and dance entertainment for the past 38 years, and have performed nationally and internationally to high acclaim.

All are welcome on Monday 3-8 pm and Tuesday 1-4 and 5-8 pm at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Turtle Creek / Monroeville Chapel, 1111 Monroeville Ave., Turtle Creek, PA 15145, (412) 823-9350.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. John Fisher Catholic Church on Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Larry will be laid to rest in Good Shepherd Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be to: East End Kids Donations, East End Kids, c/o Mary Chase, 740 Illini Drive, Monroeville PA 15146 (or Cervi-eastendkids.org);
Or Larry Cervi Memorial Scholarship Fund, Gateway Theater Guild c/o Gateway Musical, 3000 Gateway Campus Blvd., Monroeville, PA 15146 (or Gatewaymusical.org)