Johnny Jacobs - “Reno Jablonsky”

Published in The Charlotte Observer

on September 15, 2010

Broadcast Legend Johnny Jacobs, aka Reno Jablonsky, passed away peacefully at the age of 74 on Tuesday morning, September 14th, 2010 with friends and family present at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

Johnny was born November 5th, 1935 in Toledo, OH to Edward and Rena Jablonsky. Johnny graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1953. Johnny also served in the United States Air Force Reserve and was a member of the Armed Forces Radio Network. Johnny was employed by CBS Radio of Charlotte as a Senior Account Executive. Johnny was a 55-year Charlotte Radio Veteran and beloved by the media community. During his years in radio, Johnny did it all. He was a salesperson, a copywriter, an on-air personality, a sales manager, and a general manager. Johnny distinguished himself in every format, country music, rock, news, sports and urban. If you were to ask Johnny today about his career in radio he would tell you that he loved every minute of it.

Johnny is survived by his grandson, Evan Sky Jablonsky of Richmond, VA; Aunt JoAnn Andersen of Toledo, OH; and close family Susan Stelmaszak (Larry Jankowski) of Toledo, OH; Thomas (LuAnn) Andersen of Peachtree City, GA; Kimberly Stelmaszak (Eric Wiatr) of Chicago, IL; Kristin (Brad) and Owen Aemisegger of Toledo, OH; Douglas Andersen of Athens, OH; and Lauren Andersen of Peachtree City, GA.

Johnny is predeceased by wife, Sandra, son, Steven, his parents, Edward and Rena, stepmother Martha, and sister Diane.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday, September 16th, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the McEwen Funeral Home, 5716 Monroe Road, 28212. Services celebrating Johnny's life will begin at 12 noon, Friday, September 17th, at Sharon Memorial Park located at 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte 28212.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Kent Pike for all that he did to help Johnny through out his illness, and Lynn Foster for helping him maintain his household.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Johnny Jacobs Scholarship Fund, care of Appalachian State University.

Checks may be made payable to ASU Foundation Fund No. 92538 and mailed to: Kellar Radio Talent Institute, ASU Box 32060, Boone, NC 28608.

Or donate online at www.kellarradiotalentinstitute.appstate.edu.