Augustine Joseph “Jack” LaCovey, 78, passed from this life Saturday, June 3, 2017. Born in Washington, DC he was the son of the late Augustine and Imogene (Boyd) LaCovey.
Jack was in the public relations/communications industry all of his life. After graduating from Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York, in 1961 he began his career in radio and television with the ABC affiliate in Washington, DC, now WJLA. He was an award winning news correspondent and
documentary producer. In 1969 he joined the General Services Administration (GSA) as director of special projects. He later accepted a position with the National Park Service where he directed the Service’s bicentennial commemoration. From there he joined the White House staff during the Presidency of Gerald R. Ford. After the Ford presidency he served as vice-president for the international public relations firm Burson-Marsteller both in Pittsburgh, PA and Washington, DC. LaCovey took time off from the firm to help with Reagan’s presidential campaign, continuing to do Reagan’s international press advance work as well as being appointed Director of Public Relations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Following these positions, Jack became the public relations director for the Society of Plastics Industry and later public relations director for the American Plastics Council.
He received numerous awards throughout his career including an Emmy Award from the
Washington Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Edward R.
Murrow International Documentary Award, and Silver Gavel from the American Bar Association
to name a few. He was a member of the National Press Club, The University Club and a lifetime
member of The February Group.
Following retirement Jack and his wife Carol moved to The Villages, FL from Falls Church, VA in
2005. He enjoyed boating, fishing, golfing, traveling and time spent with his children and
grandchildren both in Florida and his beach home in Ocean City, MD.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Carol (Chase) LaCovey; four children, David C.
LaCovey (Marsha), Pittsburgh, PA; Holly J. Ashley (William), Spanish Fort, AL; Jacqueline L. Jones (David), Davie, FL; Renee L. Zumbaugh (Charles), Bristow, VA; two sisters, Diana Agresti (Frank), Jupiter, FL and Cynthia LaCovey, Arlington, VA; (11) grandchildren and (1) great grandson.
Services are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army (www.salvationarmy.org).