Larry Cugini Jr.

Larry Cugini, Jr. passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2022. Larry was born in Danbury, CT on May 1, 1932, to Eva Conlea and Larry Cugini, Sr. His father ran a construction business, where he learned the discipline of hard work.

Larry graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1954. He played for 2 years on the football team and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After graduation, he then joined the US Air Force and began training as a Trans-Oceanic Navigator on the B-29 Superfortress in Harlingen, TX. He met the love of his life, Josephine Losh, in nearby McAllen, TX. It was love at first sight, and they married 70 days after their first date. In late 1954, the USAF began phasing out the B-29, and he was transferred to Warner-Robins Air Force Base in Macon, GA, flying on the C-124 Globemaster with the 7th Logistical Support Squadron. This assignment was Larry’s first introduction to global travel, as he made numerous trips to Europe and the Far East. Larry served until 1957.

After the Air Force, Larry decided to pursue a career in advertising. He joined the Dallas, TX office of McCann-Erickson. In 1964, he relocated to Atlanta to become head of McCann’s Coca-Cola Bottler Services Group. This role sent him traveling the globe (just like his days in the Air Force).

After McCann, he spent many years with McDonald & Little Agency. He opened the Atlanta office of Y&R and in 1980, he moved to St. Petersburg, FL to head their new acquisition. While they enjoyed Florida, the stay was short-lived when he became Group Senior VP & General Manager of Campbell-Ewald Co. in Detroit, MI, which handled Chevrolet Advertising worldwide.

Larry was an avid golfer, fisherman and enjoyed long walks on the beach. In retirement, he moved back to Florida. He especially cherished spending time with family on fishing trips in Homosassa, FL. He adored his granddaughters Ashley & Lindsey. With the birth of his great-grandson, Larry decided it was time to return to Atlanta to spend more time with family.

Larry was a member of the Cherokee Town & Country Club, Feather Sound Country Club, The Commerce Club, and the St. Petersburg Yacht Club.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Josephine Losh, and grandson, Ellis Austin Green. He is survived by his daughter, Catherine Cugini Green (Ellis) of Atlanta, granddaughters Ashley Green Moss (Kirk) of Atlanta and Lindsey Lambert Green of Dallas, TX, and great-grandson Henry Parks Moss of Atlanta.

After a private burial, a reception will be held for family and friends at 4707 Powers Ferry Rd, Atlanta, GA on Saturday, March 12, from 2 pm to 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: The American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or The Atlanta Human Society, PO Box 746181, Atlanta, GA 30374