Lawrence Stephen Pivacek

Rotterdam - Lawrence Stephen Pivacek, 79, passed away on Saturday, July 2nd, 2016 at his home in Rotterdam. Born in Schenectady, Lawrence was the son of the late Frederick and Mary (Kopach) Pivacek. Lawrence was a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School. He earned a B.A. at SUNY Potsdam (Crane School of Music) and a Master's Degree from Union College. Lawrence had a 40+ year career as a music educator in the Schenectady City School District. During his tenure, he developed advanced music programs for his students that were highly recognized at the local and national levels including a special performance coordinated with Jean Kennedy Smith for the Kennedy Foundation. In addition to his music education career, he was a high school football coach for the school district; conducted performances at The Light Opera Company in Schenectady, NY, and he was one of the founders of the SAAC. Lawrence was also an exceptional custom builder and designer. He was a skilled craftsman who passionately created elaborate stained glass windows & doors, custom wood cabinetry, and restored delicate Victorian wicker furnishings to their original beauty. His detailed craftsmanship and designs can be found throughout the greater Capital District region in residential and commercial buildings, and in the homes of the most avid antique enthusiasts. Lawrence is preceded by his sisters, Connie Marnell and Dorothy Robson, and his brother, Frederick "Bud" Pivacek. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 56 years, Margaret (Clement) Pivacek; his children, Larry (Cindy) Pivacek, Christian (Maureen) Pivacek, Andrew Pivacek, Trisitan (John) McCann, and Meg (Gary) Signor; his sister Babara (John) Frese; his sisters-in-law, Marie (Leslie, deceased) Gardner and Ann (Raymond) Cuomo, 11 cherished grandchildren, and wonderful nieces and nephews. A prayer service will take place at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave. in Rotterdam on Friday, July 8th at 10:15 am followed by a Mass of Christian burial that will be celebrated at 11am at St. John the Evangelist Church, 806 Union St. in Schenectady. Calling hours will be held Thursday evening at the funeral home from 6-8pm. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment will be in St. Cyril and Method Cemetery in Rotterdam. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lawrence's name can be made to Community Hospice, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144.