Lawrence ‘Larry’ L. Mauro – Donora

Lawrence “Larry” L. Mauro, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and community champion, passed away on Feb. 13, 2024, at the age of 80.  Larry was born on Nov. 23, 1943, in Rostraver Township. The son of Tony and Alvina Malena Mauro, he grew up in a close-knit, loving family with his brother and two sisters. After graduating from Rostraver High School in 1961, Larry attended California State College and graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Mathematics. Thereafter, he pursued graduate studies at California State College, Kent State University, San Diego State University, the University of Southern California and the University of Pittsburgh. Larry’s greatest passions in life were education, community, learning and his family. He began his teaching career with the Los Angeles Unified School District in 1965 at Huntington Park High School. He moved back to Pennsylvania in 1967 and began his career as a mathematics and computer programming teacher in the East Allegheny School District. He became the chairman of the math department until his retirement in 2001. After a short break, Larry could not resist returning to the classroom. He began substitute teaching in the Elizabeth Forward School District, where he concluded his teaching career, spanning 55 years! His impact on his students was vast and unforgettable. It’s no wonder former students always took the time to say hello and express their gratitude. Several are now in health care and had the opportunity to pay back their “favorite and most impactful” teacher by having had the honor of taking care of him during his hospital stays. Others heard the news and stopped by to offer their sincere appreciation for his support and lessons, noting that they would never be who they are without him. His family could not have been prouder to have witnessed these testimonies. Larry was a lifelong learner and believed that education was the key to improving one’s life and the advancement of society. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed acquiring knowledge of all subjects —philosophy, math, science, and history, to name a few. You name it; Larry wanted to know all about it! Selflessly, he never kept what he had learned to himself. Instead, he was always willing to teach anyone who was so lucky and wise to listen. He worked for many years tutoring children in after-school programs and SAT preparation classes. Larry was also an unwavering advocate in the Mon Valley. He was active in the Mon Valley Council on Drug Abuse, which focused on prevention. Most of all, he was dedicated to the community of Donora, where he raised his family. He deeply cared for its residents, history, and its future. He was very active in service to his community. He was the first president of the Donora Youth Soccer Association, president of the Donora Catholic School Board, and served as a director on the Ringgold School District School Board for over 30 years. As a Ringgold School Board director, Larry began the College in High School Program, in conjunction with the University of Pittsburgh, and established many of the Advanced Placement courses and initiatives. Furthermore, because of his passion for education and love of sharing it, he was a longtime Donora Public Library Board of Directors member and president. As president, one of his proudest accomplishments was the pivotal role he played in building the new library, which opened in 1995. Always ready for a road trip, Larry loved to travel with his family. His most memorable trip was a round-trip, five-week excursion from Donora to the West Coast of the United States. He towed his wife, 3 kids, and his mother-in-law, Vera Pantoni, in his sedan, over 8,000 miles! They visited as many national sites and cities as possible during that summer, including the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Pikes Peak in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Washington DC. He also made sure to see Disney Land and Disney World with his family! Of all his passions, Larry’s main love in life was his family. He could always be found with family or talking about his family. He was a loyal husband and best friend to his wife, Ginny. He was a very proud father and grandfather. This network of love that he created and cherished was the world to him. He never missed an academic event, sporting event, piano, or dance recital. He loved to tutor them and always awed them with his Rubik’s Cube skills. He was first in line to help fix anything or to offer a hand to build something new. He was always up for an impromptu trip to another state to help watch a grandkid or travel with siblings. But most of all, he was always available to just be there for advice and life lessons. He was everyone’s first call, their rock on which to lean, and loved that they could always count on him. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Alvina Malena Mauro; his in-laws, Tony and Vera Reda Pantoni; and his brothers-in-law, Alex Ferguson Jr. and John “Yunny” Apessos. Larry is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Genevieve “Ginny” Pantoni Mauro; his children, Tony (Jennifer Burns) Mauro, Lisa (Gene) Steratore and Lawrence (Melissa Pugliano) Mauro Jr.; his 11 grandchildren, Anthony and Angelo Mauro, Maria (Nick) DePastino, Gina, Chris and Nick Peccon and Giulia, Clara, Nora, Vera and Mona Mauro. He is also survived by his sister, Vincetta (Dolly) Apessos of New Bern, N.C.; his brother, Joseph “Buddy” and Roberta Mauro of Granada Hills, Calif.; his sister, Loretta Ferguson of Carroll Township; and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. Arrangements have been entrusted to ANTHONY L. MASSAFRA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE INC., 40 2nd St. Ext., Donora, PA 15033, 724-379-6900, where friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. A blessing service will follow in the funeral home at 8 p.m. with Deacon Al Poroda officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Lawrence L. Mauro Scholarship. Checks can be made payable to the Foundation for Cal U and mailed to Box 668, California, PA 15419 or online at www.calu.edu/giving/index.aspx. To share a condolence, please visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com. Rest in peace Larry, Dad, Pap, brother, relative and friend. You will forever be in our hearts, and we will continue to learn and teach in your honor. The world is a much better place because you were here.