- Date Of Birth: November 12, 1946
- Date Of Death: April 24, 2012
- State: Florida
Earl Richard “Buddy” Havlin
Nov. 12, 1946 ? April 24, 2012
A resident of Miami for more than 40 years, Buddy Havlin was one of the founders of WDNA-FM and worked in studio production at WCIX-TV and WPLG-TV. After a liver transplantation in 1994, he retired to devote more time to his passion of golf. He volunteered for over 20 years at major Miami golf championships and taught the sport after receiving his USGTA certification. His other love was antiques, and he established Merlin Antiques in Palmetto Bay.
Before coming south from his hometown of Lawrence, Long Island, he worked for promoter Bill Graham and was the road manager for the Grateful Dead, Santana, Mahavishnu Orchestra and The Band. Earlier in his career, he was manager of the Nassau (NY) Coliseum, hosting a variety of performances from Elvis Presley to the circus.
Buddy survived many physical challenges since his transplant but never dwelled on his health. He replaced both hips at the same time so as not to recuperate twice. While “on house arrest,” he taught himself to play the bass guitar. When asked how he was feeling, he always said, “I’m on the right side of the grass.”
Buddy was predeceased by his mother Ann Cascardi Havlin, father Ralph Havlin, and brother Ralph Havlin, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Pat Morrissey/Havlin.
