John Hyatt Obituary

Hyatt, John D. (Johnny) age 69, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle great-uncle, and treasured friend, died peacefully at his home in Albuquerque, on October 8 after a long illness. He graduated from St. Louis Park High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1955, and served in the US Navy from 1955-1957 based in Norfolk, Virginia. He attended and graduated from Brown Broadcasting College in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He began his career as a radio announcer at small stations in North Dakota, at WCCO in Chicago, and KSTP in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hubbard Broadcasting transferred Johnny to Albuquerque in 1965 as morning personality at KOB-AM. He later also became program director of KOB-AM and put KOB-FM radio on the air. Johnny was involved in hundreds of radio promotions and events, during his 40 plus years in advertising and broadcasting. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Mary Therese; daughter, Dana and husband Ricky Ellett of Albuquerque; son, David Vrbas of Tempe, Arizona; grandsons, Shane Ellett, Zachery Vrbas, and Alex Vrbas; mother-in-law, Theresa Cotitta; brother-in-law, Jim Cotitta; sisters-in-law, JoAnne McCoy, Paula Cotitta, Patricia Cotitta, Laura Husler, and DeAnna Countryman; 6 nieces and nephews, and 6 great nieces and nephews. He loved young people and gave endlessly of his time in coaching and mentoring those in the broadcast industry. Johnny's great big warm heart, sense of humor, and enthusiastic voice will be deeply missed by his family and many dear friends. Cremation will take place at Daniels Family Funeral Services. Mass will be celebrated at Prince of Peace Catholic Community at 12500 Carmel Ave. Albuquerque, NM on Wednesday, October 11, 10 AM
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.