Lawrence Paul Aversano, Sr.

Lawrence Paul Aversano, Sr. of Sterling, Virginia passed away on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at the age of 85. For the last four years, he courageously battled with diabetes, heart disease and recently, cancer. After some very tough months, Lawrence died peacefully with loving and caring doctors, family and friends always by his side. Lawrence was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 16, 1935, to Alphonse and Anita Aversano. The oldest of three children, a sister named Rosemary and brother named Anthony would follow. Lawrence grew up a happy child. He was also from a very big family on his paternal side. He had six uncles and one aunt. One day during WWII his father came upon a ‘C’ melody saxophone which he thought would appeal to Lawrence. Larry, as he was affectionately known, began to take an interest in music which turned into a passion for music. He would go on to become a professional studio musician who specialized in playing the alto saxophone, clarinet, flute, and piccolo. His music career spanned over five decades touring with renowned swing bands of the 1950s and continuing on to a three-year tour of duty with the U.S. Military Academy Band at West Point. His performance credits included the following engagements: the 1964 New York World's Fair, two Broadway Shows at the renown Schubert Theater, seven years at CBS in the 1960s with the Jackie Gleason Show with the Sammy Spear Orchestra, Miami Philharmonic and the Fairfax Symphony. Larry studied music at the University of Miami and graduated with a BA in applied flute performance and a BM in music education. Larry would continue his education at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. earning a MA in applied flute performance plus advanced credits towards a PhD. Larry reached one of the pinnacle moments of his career in 1966, while living in Miami, FL. Because of his reputation as an outstanding, talented musician he was selected to perform with Frank Sinatra at the world-famous Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami. One of the highlights of his musical career was performing solos and other musical scores for some of Sinatra’s biggest hits, including “It Was A Very Good Year”. One night after a show, backstage, Larry met up with the legendary crooner who complimented him and they exchanged pleasantries. Dad enjoyed sharing the details of this meeting with family and trusted friends throughout the years. Before retiring from Fairfax County Public Schools as a band teacher, after 26 years of service, Larry continued to play venues in the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland such as the Kennedy Center, National Theatre and Wolf Trap. He even played for President Ronald Reagan’s Inauguration. In addition, Larry taught at the University of Mary Washington for 21 years as a jazz swing band and flute instructor. In his retirement, he enjoyed playing golf, spending time with his two sons, and spoiling his two beloved grandkids. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ann Marie Aversano; children Lawrence Paul Aversano, Jr. and Gene Terence Aversano; and daughter-in-law Mai Tran Aversano; grandchildren Isabella Dap Ann Aversano and Lorenzo Tran Aversano. People wishing to honor Larry’s lifelong commitment to family and country can make donations in his name to: the American Diabetes Association or American Cancer Society or The USO. If you wish to send flowers, please send them to the Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home.