Carl S. Dehaven

Carl S. DeHaven passed away peacefully on Friday, March 2, 2018, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family, at his residence in E. Norriton, PA. Carl was 91 years young. Mr. DeHaven retired in 1982 after a distinguished 26-year career with the Upper Merion Police Department, his last five years as a detective. While serving on the police force, Carl continued his education by attending numerous law enforcement schools including Temple University, Penn State University and the FBI School in Quantico. After retirement, Carl operated heavy equipment for the James Barone Paving Company in Bryn Mawr, finally retiring in 1993. Carl loved sports and played scholastically at W. Conshohocken High, where he played Varsity basketball and baseball until his enlistment. His service in WWII prevented his further participation at the scholastic level, so Carl made up for it by playing for local softball clubs well into his late 60’s. He played for the Norristown Orioles, the Norristown Stars, the VFW, Holy Saviour, Swedesburg Fire Company and Christ Reform Church. He was also a PIAA referee for basketball and football, belonging to the Montgomery County Chapter. An accomplished musician, Carl and younger brother, Howard, were members of the famed Reilly Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps, as well as members of the Nuss-O’Hara VFW Post 1804 D & B Corps. Well before serving his community, Carl served his country. In 1943, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After boot camp, Carl was assigned to a new Marine Division – the 5th Marine Division – whose date with destiny was the Battle for Iwo Jima. After the surrender, Carl spent 8 months as a member of the occupying forces where he developed a high regard for the Japanese people and their culture. Carl loved his family; his country; his community; his many friends and he dedicated most of his life to serving others. He was a life member of the 5th Marine Division Association, the King of Prussia Fire Co., the Fraternal Order of Police Montgomery County, PA Lodge #14 and the Valley Forge VFW Post 7878. He was also a member of Hope Lodge #190 as a 32nd Degree Mason Lehigh Consistory, Pron-Seton Marine Corps League Detachment and the Iwo Jima Association of America. Anyone who came in contact with him at any stage of his life – as police officer, neighbor, Marine, teammate or friend came away with the sense that this was a remarkable man. Carl was an avid Eagles fan having worked in the 1950’s for team owner, Leonard Tose. He loved traveling, genealogical research, yard work, and playing the harmonica (in particular his stirring rendition of the Marine Corps Hymn.) He loved Frank Sinatra and the big band swing music of his youth. Although modest, Carl was extremely proud of his service as a United States Marine, his long-time association with the U.M.P.D. and the long line of Patriots bearing the DeHaven name stretching back to the birth of our nation. Born in W. Philadelpha, on April 1, 1926 to the late Howard and Laura (Williamson) DeHaven. Carl survived his three siblings: Doris Grudizen (D. 2017), William (D. 1997) and Howard Jr. (D. 2014). Preceding Carl was the love of his life, Marie Elena Concetta (Arona) DeHaven. They enjoyed 57 years together before Marie passed in 2009; also preceded by a son-in-law, Michael F. Pecharo and a grandson, Eric Vance. Surviving Carl are his three daughters: Kim E. DeHaven of E. Norriton, PA, Carla S. Pecharo (Thomas M. Kerick Jr.) of King of Prussia, PA and Deborah L. Reevez of E. Norriton, PA; four grandchildren: Peter J. Merlino of Arizona, Dana M. Pecharo of New York, Nicholas M. Pecharo of Colorado and Heather Leahy of Florida; and many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to Carl’s Funeral Service at Gulph United Church of Christ, 100 Matsonford Rd., Conshohocken, PA on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 11:00 am. His viewings are Friday evening from 6 to 9:00 pm, at The Bacchi Funeral Home & Crematory, Ltd., 805 DeKalb St. (Rt. 202), Bridgeport, PA; also Saturday morning from 10 to 10:50 am, at the church. Burial will be in the church’s cemetery located next to the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Iwo Jima Association of America. www.iwojimaassociation.org Condolences to the family at www.bacchifh.com