Larry Sarver
Larry Sarver, a private man and middle child, was an innovator, a champion, and possessed unwavering spirit. He didn't waste words. When he spoke, warmth and genuine curiosity colored his voice. In conversation, he demonstrated sincere connection and enjoyed learning from others. People around him valued his opinion, his intelligent humor, and his world-class sarcasm. A hard worker who strove towards goals, he pushed limits and poured his drinks stiff.
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An inventor and problem solver—whether creating seven patents, building a multi-level deck with water features, grilling ribeye to perfection, or transporting a fifty-foot Christmas fir via Vietnam vet helicopter pilot over the streets of Pittsburgh, he brought the same intensity to every project.
Larry adored the time he spent with his beloved wife and two children, Maggie and Alex. When he mentioned his family, his eyes lit up, affection warming his words.
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Larry took his ethics and morals seriously, wielding a solid internal compass as he strove to be a good example and father. Early in dating Sherry, she dared him to steal a bag of chips, but he couldn't go through with it. She knew then he was the one. He never drew attention to himself. According to him, there were two kinds of people in this world: those who listened and those who were waiting to talk. He strove to be present and hear what you had to say, feeding his endless curiosity.
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This approach to life started early. Even as a child, he was an entrepreneur, selling newspapers and books door to door. As a teenager, he traveled across Europe, remaining open to hearing new ideas while making his own decisions. He was easy to talk to and willing to help others.
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Focused and driven, he took on challenges with competitive spirit. His ferocious appetite for adventure and exploration took him to extraordinary places. Challenged by his friend Malcolm, he skied down unbelievable terrain, chasing the thrill of speed and new splendors. He marveled at the Northern Lights, sleeping in a hotel carved out of ice. Whether customizing engines, racing down mountains or speeding along highways, he had a hunger to experience the world at full throttle.
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A lifelong learner who possessed genuine integrity, Larry believed in doing the right thing and remained fair in every transaction. Through his work at Tucor, he designed cutting-edge technology, establishing respect from multi-million dollar competitors, prioritizing relationships over winning.
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For forty years, Tucor served as an amalgamation and outlet for Larry’s innovation and creative brilliance. Born out of his original groundbreaking ideas, the company challenged the status quo in the industry. He built resource-conserving solutions that delivered measurable results, establishing himself as an admired leader who did things his way. Tucor became more than a business—it was like everything else in his life, a platform for solving problems on his own terms.
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On a whim, Larry trained to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, joining his brother and two nephews. The group of four opted to traverse to the pinnacle and see the sunrise—most people don't get past the final plateau. But the four-man team took the tough climb, insisting on fighting the brutal cold to reach the summit. His reward wasn't just reaching the top and viewing the sunrise over the volcano, but making a plan and executing it flawlessly. He never did anything halfway.
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While climbing the mountain, the porters carried a birthday cake for eleven days, to celebrate his 50th birthday. On one of the last days, he smacked his head on an overhanging rock—for once his hard head paid off.
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A creative, talented, self-made man, he enjoyed quiet but selective friendships and held high standards, expecting people around him to rise to his caliber. He maintained a clear line between right and wrong, acting ethically in all circumstances. He loved gin and tonics and margaritas made with good tequila.
He enjoyed the Discovery Channel, and he was the one at museums who read every plaque, wanting to know if a bolt was forged or cast. He possessed patience and a dry wit. Whether playing bloody knuckles with his nieces in Tionesta or holding them over the pit in the den closet, he was honest and fair. Larry asked real questions and provided honest answers. When he laughed and looked at you with his crooked smile, you had an inescapable feeling you'd done something right.