Lawrence Michael Covell

Covell, Lawrence Michael passed away quietly in his home on January 27, 2006. He was 85 years old. Larry was born August 25th, 1920, in Paterson, NJ, to James and Jennie Yacovelli. He became an accomplished musician and traveled around the United States playing his saxophone on riverboats and in clubs. He was a WWII veteran, proudly serving his country overseas in France and Germany and brought much pleasure to the troops entertaining them with music from the big band and jazz greats. He married Jean Gussie Summer and settled down to live in New Jersey, repairing instruments during the day and playing with bands in the evening. He played for the original Tonight Show, in the original Dorsey Brothers band, and played back-up for entertainers such as Liza Minelli and Barbara Streisand. Larry relocated to south Florida in 1969 with Jean, first living in N. Miami Beach, Sunrise, and then Davie, FL. He was recognized by Selmer as the authorized repairman for the SE United States and worked for Broward Band and then All County Music, repairing woodwind instruments until November 2005. His friends and colleagues acknowledged his ability as an accomplished musician and his technical ability as an instrument repairman. He was a member in good standing with the Associated Musicians of Greater New York Local 802 and the Musicians Guild of Essex County, Local 16, A.F. of M. He is survived by his son Jack Covell and his wife Laura; his son Robert Covell and his wife Jenny; his four grandchildren, Aja Covell and her fiancée Bruce Vernon, Kate Covell, Jessie Covell, and Josh Covell; his sister Angelina Pacienza and her husband Ben and their son Joe; his sister Lucy Quatrucchi; his brother and sister-in-law Joe and Yetta Summer and their three daughters; and his former daughter-in-law Rosemary Petrill;. Larry was a beloved husband, a wonderful father, and indulging grandfather. He was dedicated to his wife Jean, who passed away twenty years earlier. He never remarried. He was very proud of his grandchildren and never needed much persuasion to talk about them. His passing has saddened all those that loved him and he will be greatly missed by his family, colleagues and friends. He is buried at Menorah Gardens, Southwest Ranches, Florida. If you would like, donations can be made to the American Lung Association, in honor of his wife, Jean Covell.