John M. DeHaven

Jack’s broadcasting career spanned four decades, including managerial positions in Pittsburgh, New York and Atlanta. In 1974, he transferred with his family to Atlanta with Susquehanna Broadcasting to take over WLTA-FM, a struggling “beautiful music” station. Under Jack’s leadership as general manager, the station achieved success with a more vibrant musical format and live programming, including serving as flagship station for the Atlanta Flames, the city’s National Hockey League team.

He and his family settled in Dunwoody, where he coached youth baseball and played an active role in numerous organizations at the newly founded All Saints Catholic Church.

A native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Jack served in the United States Navy in World War II as a gunner’s mate and petty officer second class. His unit, aboard the destroyer escort USS Osberg, was preparing for service in the Pacific Theater when the war came to an end. Following the war, he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in business administration, and began his career in sales and broadcasting.

Jack was married for 43 years to Gail Ann (Horner) DeHaven of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, who passed away in 1996. In 2000 he married Ann Lidell DeHaven; in the following years, the couple traveled extensively and made their home in Alpharetta, where he attended St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. His final residence was the Dogwood Forest assisted living community in Alpharetta, where he received loving care from the devoted staff.

Along with his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Michelle DeHaven of Atlanta (and son-in-law Robert Byrd); his son, Jeff DeHaven of Savannah (and daughter-in-law Julie DeHaven); and his granddaughter, Jennifer Byrd of Atlanta.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 16, at 2 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 535 Rucker Road, Alpharetta, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.