Lawrence (Larry) Thomas Pino

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Lawrence (Larry) Thomas Pino

November 5, 1921 ~ July 8, 2019

Lawrence Thomas Pino passed away at his home in Holladay on July 8, 2019 at the age of 97. Larry was born on November 5, 1921 in Bingham Canyon, Utah, the beloved son of Salvatore and Teresa Belcolori Pino. As one of seven Pino children, Larry distinguished himself by being both handsome and mischievous. He attended Bingham High School, where he was active in music and sports. He was lead cheerleader for the Bingham High “Miners.” Classmates nicknamed Larry “Flash” because he ran fast and dressed stylishly.

Larry attended DePaul University in Chicago, where he studied with legendary accordionist Andy Rizzo. His education was interrupted when the United States entered World War II after the December 7, 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was sent to Cebu in the Philippines. Larry was then stationed as a medic in Japan one week after the United States bombing of Hiroshima. He was proud of the medical assistance he provided to GIs, their families, and residents.

Once out of the Army, Larry moved to Boston, studied at the Conservatory, and was one of the original members of their Symphonic Accordion Band, the first in the country. Larry played concerts in Boston’s famed Symphony Hall, and New York.

Larry opened his first music conservatory in Salt Lake City in 1951. He established eight music studios from Ogden to Provo, employed 38 teachers, and oversaw education of hundreds of accordion students. Larry conducted yearly symphonic accordion programs at Highland High School, and his students competed nationally and internationally. Larry achieved his dream of success with the Larry Pino Conservatory of Music.

His three sons Lawrence Pino Jr., David Pino and Steven Pino survive Larry. He leaves behind two brothers, Amedeo Pino and Rudy Pino; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first spouse Louise Chiodo Pino, Eva Stalliviere and brothers Albert Pino, Ross Pino and Bill Pino.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on July 19 at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, followed by a burial service with military honors at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Assistance League of Salt Lake City, P.O. Box 9353, SLC, UT 84109 (alslc.org) or charity of your choice.

A public memorial has been created for Larry. Please share your thoughts, photos and videos at  https://www.gatheringus.com/memorial/lawrence-thomas-larry-pino-sr/1117