Brian Havens

RALEIGH - It is with great sorrow that the family of Brian Havens announces his sudden passing in his home on February 12, 2025, at the age of 67.

The sixth of eight children, Brian was born on May 3, 1957, in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Elmer J. Havens and JoAnne Goodwin Havens. He grew up in Brooklyn, where he became a lifelong New York Mets fan and where he met and married the love of his life, Diane. After their son, Michael, and daughter, Jennifer, were born, he and Diane raised their family in southern New Jersey, and remained there until deciding to retire closer to their children and grandchildren in North Carolina. In 2017 they moved to Raleigh, and Brian spent his last years fully involved in the moments that made for a rich life - game nights, family dinners, baseball games, dance recitals, birthdays (with mandatory dance parties), and all of the tiny moments in between.

His early career may have been in sales and investment banking, but the jobs he relished most do not fit on a resume: Son, Bro, Bri, Hubby, Dad(dy), Uncle Bunny, Uncle Brian, and Pop-pop. His motto has always been, "I'm a dad; it's my job." Family came first, every time; no questions asked. His bright blue eyes gained a playful twinkle when he used his razor-sharp wit to make any room devolve into belly laughs. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

Brian is survived by his loving wife, Diane Havens; daughter Jennifer Carr (David); son, Michael Havens; grandchildren, Brian and Emily Carr; sisters, Carin Havens, Dolores Alcuri, Dianne Johnson (John), and Muriel Carmichael (Tom); brother, Larry Havens (Maryann); and many nieces and nephews along with their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Dennis and Rev. James Havens.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 24 at 11:00 AM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529. The burial will follow at Historic Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27601. A time of visitation with the family will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 AM prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.