Larry Sarver Obituary

Larry Sarver passed away at home after a long-fought battle with Pancreatic cancer on September 29th, 2025. Even in his final days, Larry remained true to his unique spirit and informed his family that he would, "Do this my way". A lover of design, fast cars, grilling, travel, gadgets, and family, he was a one-of-a-kind individual and will be missed dearly by those that knew and loved him.
Born on January 11th, 1955 in Pittsburgh, PA, Larry was one of three brothers. Much of his childhood was dominated by work for the family landscaping business, and these experiences would shape his unrelenting work ethic throughout his life. Larry's adventurous spirit emerged early, as he hitchhiked to odd jobs and swapped engines on old cars.
Larry continued his studies at Mississippi State University. Staying true to his nonconformist nature, he didn't enroll in a standard curriculum; he created a specialty study program that blended Horticulture, Engineering, and Landscape Architecture. Studying wasn't enough for Larry, though, and he filled any remaining time he had with his work in various co-ops throughout his studies.
A "read-every-plaque-in-the-museum-type", Larry had almost a child-like wonder about the world around him. Intensely curious and thoughtful, he would investigate the seemingly most mundane process or thing asking, "I wonder how that works?". Larry's fierce individualism would often drive his family crazy by electing to take an alternate route when driving, just to "try something different."
This curiosity & contrarian thinking shaped his life as a serial entrepreneur of three businesses. Tucor, his longest-lived and most successful business, was Larry's outlet for his creativity, curiosity, and drive. A driven and brilliant man, Larry pioneered "2-Wire" technology in the domestic irrigation market, developed countless products, and was awarded seven different patents. Throughout his 30 years as founder & president of Tucor, Larry carved a reputation as a forward-thinking innovator and principled leader. Uniquely, Larry coupled this intensity with a dry sense of humour, and famously named Tucor after a night with friends enjoying "Tuborg", a delicious Danish beer.
Larry was never one for traditional hobbies, but whenever he pursued something new, he did it to the extreme. For instance, when faced with logistical challenges in his first business, he took up flying lessons so he could handle it himself. And rather than buying an elliptical for his mid-life pursuit of fitness, he spent his 50th birthday at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro with his brother Bob and nephews Adam and Jack. In support of this trip, he gained an affinity for photography, and his family enjoys remembering him by looking at pictures of his extensive travels.
Although work was an omnipresent force in his life, his family was his primary love. As a private man that valued integrity and genuine character, he kept a small circle of loved ones and friends. Those in this circle, including his wife Sherry and children Maggie and Alex, can attest to his loyalty, generosity and love, which was often displayed in ways other than direct words - by a thoughtful gift, a listening ear, or by just being there.
In remembering Larry, we ask friends and loved ones to pour a good glass of Zinfandel (a Margarita or a stiff G&T may also suffice), slice into a tuna fish & onion pizza (trust us, it's better than it sounds), turn on Cream's debut album on a good set of speakers, and watch an episode of "How It's Made."
Larry was preceded in death by his mother Helen, his father Herb, his brother Denny, and his half-sister Judy. He is survived by his wife Sherry, his children Maggie and Alex, his brother Bob (Rene), and nieces and nephews that he loved very much.
Larry was not a conventional guy, so we will not be mourning in a conventional way. In lieu of a funeral service, we will have a celebration of life at a later date. Those looking to participate are encouraged to use the following link to stay in the loop:
https://form.jotform.com/252784538327164
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.
Arrangements by McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc. Mars, PA and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.