Dr. Larry Peeno
Dr. Larry N. Peeno, 79, of St. Louis, born December 24,1941 in Evansville, IN and passed away on December 22, 2021 in St. Louis.
Dr. Peeno was a dedicated educator, researcher and leader in the field of art education. Larry’s impact can be felt across the State of Missouri and throughout the nation, due to his constant work to improve the quality of art education for students at all levels. As state art supervisor Larry helped move Missouri art education toward a more contemporary, comprehensive, and balanced curriculum, promoting studio art linkages with art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and cross-cultural art traditions. He was a staunch defender of art taught by Art Specialized, certified teachers, and worked to ensure that there were art teachers in every school. His tireless efforts at the state level improved and supported Art’s position as being on par with other subject areas recognized as crucial to every student’s formal education. Larry’s effectiveness as an art education advocate at the state level earned him a leadership position with the National Art Education Association, where he continued and expanded his commitment and outreach. Throughout his career Larry was an energetic, much-loved and admired champion of art education who changed the landscape of the professional field in countless positive and meaningful ways. He shall be remembered, and he shall be missed. Dr. Peeno was an Art Teacher and Fine Arts Chair, Normandy High School, Normandy, Missouri 1974-1990 Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education-Supervisor of FineArts-1990-2000 National Art Education Association-Deputy Director-2000-2007.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Marcel(nee martin) Peeno; and his brother and sister.
Surviving are his wife, Margaret (nee Graf) Peeno whom he married June 8, 1973 in Columbia, MO; his step-parents, Paul and Lois Franz of Russell, KY; dear cousins and many friends.
The family asks in lieu of flowers, please send commemorations to The National Art Education Foundation. The NAEF helps provide professional development for art educators, classroom supplies for innovative projects, curriculum development for art classrooms, and ground-breaking research in visual arts education.
The family is not planning a funeral or memorial, but we will inform members if that changes. MAEA, Larry’s family and friends will honor Larry with an event in cooperation with the State Historical Society of Missouri, April 8th at 3pm during the MAEA Spring Conference. This will take place at the SHSMO Research Center on the UMSL Campus at 1 University Boulevard, 222 Thomas Jefferson Library UMSL, St. Louis, MO 63121.
Richeson Funeral Home, Troy, is in charge of the arrangements.
