Larry Wasserberger

WASSERBERGER, Larry Sol, age 67, of Tampa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 5, 2020, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief and valiant battle against cancer. A lifelong resident of Tampa, Larry was born on September 4, 1953 to Paul and Ruth Wasserberger. He was proud to be a “first generation American”. A 1971 graduate of Plant High School, Larry obtained his B.A. in Music from the University of Tampa in 1975. Together with his younger brother, Gilbert, he owned and operated the family’s retail furniture businesses, Wass Brothers Furniture and Brand Name Furniture in North Tampa from 1980-1994. Larry then owned and operated Turn Around Furniture in South Tampa before retiring from the furniture business in 2007. Music was always a part of his life. Larry played saxophones, performing locally and on the road at weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, and private parties with many bands over the years: Brasstown Ball, Tampa Bay Brass, and Tropical Heat. For the past 6 years or so, Larry was able to live his dream as the “Saxman” with R&B, Soul, and Funk Band Souliz and, most recently, his happiest of times on stage were with the Sugar and Spice Revue. His smile was infectious, and he loved entertaining their hundreds of loyal and devoted fans. In 2017 the band captured second place, performing with hundreds of bands at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.

Larry’s family meant the world to him. Survivors include his beloved wife of 30 years, Janet; his loving children: Lauren, Brett (and daughter-in-law Alexis) all of Tampa, his son Ross, and grandson Owen of Gainesville, FL. Nala – his sweet Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - was always at his side. Larry also leaves behind his dear brothers: Alan Wasserberger of Tampa, and Gilbert Wasserberger (and sister-in-law, Laurie) of Manalapan, NJ; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jamie and Carrie Cherlin of Venice, FL and Cheshire, CT; devoted nieces Amanda and Sydney, Holly and Amanda, nephew Ryan, and a multitude of cousins and dear friends from near and far. Private graveside services will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Congregation Beth Am, 2030 W. Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL 33612; Moffitt Cancer Center, P.O. Box 23827, Tampa, FL 33623 or Florida Bandmasters Association, P.O. Box 840135, Pembroke Pines, FL 33084.

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