Jack LaCovey, spokesman for the Society of the Plastics Industry and American Plastics Council in the 1990s, died June 3 at the age of 78.
LaCovey's long career in public relations included posts during the presidencies of Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan and stints at international public relations firm Burson-Marsteller and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
He garnered prominent awards after beginning his career in 1961 following graduation from Ithaca College. He started out with work in radio and television at ABC's Washington, D.C., affiliate, where he was an award-winning news correspondent and documentary producer. Recognition for his work in his early career included an Emmy Award from the Washington Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the Edward R. Murrow International Documentary Award and a Silver Gavel from the American Bar Association.
Both of LaCovey's plastics industry trade groups now have new names. The Society of the Plastics Industry Inc. is now the Plastics Industry Association, and the American Plastics Council is the plastics division of the American Chemistry Council.
Following his retirement, LaCovey and his wife, Carol LaCovey, moved to The Villages, Fla., where he enjoyed boating, fishing, golfing, travelling and spending time with his four children and 11 grandchildren and a great grandson. He is survived by his wife of 58 years. Private services will be held and the family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Salvation Army.