Larry Baumgartner is a proud native son of the Shenango Valley, being born and raised in Hickory (Hermitage). He started piano lessons at age seven, learning a new hymn every week. He began his musical career playing for Junior Church at Pentecostal Holiness Church of Sharon, PA. His first job was at the now defunct Sharon Methodist Church on Elm Street. Next, he played at St Paul’s United Church of Christ for three years. Larry attended Youngstown State University’s Dana School of Music as a voice major.
Larry successfully married his church organist/pianist career with a 30-year career as an over the road driver for PI&I (PA, IN, IL) Motor Express. Larry played piano at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Sharon for 30 years, and also served as organist for five years. To continue to utilize his talents in a traditional worship service, he then moved to Sharon First United Methodist Church where he served as organist for five years, retiring on 31 Dec 2017. He continues to substitute at various churches in the area, as well as Eagle River Presbyterian Church, Eagle River, Alaska in the Summers.Email