John Gaven

John Michael Gaven, "Jack," passed away peacefully at his home in Tonto Verde, Arizona, on Friday, February 27, 2026.

Jack was born on July 11, 1942, in Newark, New Jersey, to James and Eva Gaven. He graduated from Saint James High School, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University–Newark, and was a proud alumnus of Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program. Having begun his career as a Certified Public Accountant, Jack spent the majority of his professional life in the financial services industry, holding roles at Mitchell Hutchins, Automatic Data Processing, and First Data Corp. He later embarked on a new chapter as the founder of Gaven Co.

Jack was an avid basketball player in his youth, and he later developed a deep passion for golf which would endure for the rest of his life. He was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus and spent much of his retired life traveling and seeing the world. Above all, Jack cherished spending time in Lake Wallenpaupack with his family and friends. Whether in Arizona, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania, you could always find him enjoying a 5:00 p.m. martini (always with three olives) while leading a philosophical discussion-his favorite topic being, "What is the definition of success?"

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, James and Eva Gaven; his brother, James Gaven Jr.; and his wife of 53 years, Annette (Leo) Gaven. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Gaven; his brother, Tom Gaven; and his sisters, Joanne Eyler and Mary Jean Gizzo. Jack was a proud father to his children, Denise Kowalski (husband Raymond) and John Gaven (wife Marcia). He was blessed with three granddaughters, Elizabeth DiIenno (husband Christian), Hannah Gaven, and Emily Gaven, as well as two great-grandchildren, Annette DiIenno and Braeden DiIenno. It is a blessing that Jack lived a wonderful and successful life.

For those wishing to attend, a burial service will be held for Jack at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, New Jersey on April 18th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

The repast will be held at 11:30, Lassoni Restaurant, North Arlington, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Jack's memory to the Alzheimer's Association,

https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/johngaven/in-honor-of-jack-gaven