FRED DEHAVEN

Cornwall — D. Frederic DeHaven (Fred) died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on June 4, 2025. He was 87 years old.

Fred grew up in northern Michigan. He was a musician at heart from early childhood. He won a scholarship to Oberlin College to study organ and graduated from the University of Michigan. He then won a full scholarship to the Juilliard School of Music and graduated with a degree in organ and conducting in 1964.

For much of his career he conducted choirs of men, boys and girls in the Anglican Church choral tradition. His career began in New York City and he then went to Trinity Church in Southport, Connecticut. In 1975, he became the organist and choirmaster at Christ Church in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. He also conducted large adult choral groups with orchestra.

During his career he conducted throughout Europe and Australia. In 1989, he was invited to concertize in East Germany and Russia. After 32 years in Grosse Pointe, Fred retired in 2007. In 2017, the DeHavens moved to Vermont to be closer to family.

He was an inspiration to many through his music, his kindness, his gentle humor, and ever-positive spirit.

Fred is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sharon of Cornwall; his daughters, Mary Claire DeHaven (Jim Scheid) of East Middlebury and Anne DeHaven of Shoreham; and his grandson, Luca DeHaven Scheid of Burlington.

A memorial service at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Middlebury, Vermont will be held on July 26 at 10:30 a.m.