Some earlier versions of this story had omitted the names of Layton’s books in the second paragraph.
Jack Layton, a certified broadcast engineer and consultant to broadcasting services, whose written work appeared in Radio World and other industry publications, passed away last Friday, July 14, according to the Washington, Pa., Observer-Reporter. He was 76.
According to the obituary, Layton’s career in radio begin in 1954 when he received his amateur radio license and operated under the call sign W9UK. During his career he worked at a number of radio stations in the Pittsburgh area, including KDKA as engineering manager; a 1999 bio on the SBE Chapter 70 website said Layton also chiefed at WVON, WGCI and WIND in Chicago. He authored books including “Directional Broadcast Antennas,” “Directional Antennas Made Simple” and “SBE Radio Chief Operator Handbook.”
Layton was among several contract engineers profiled in a 2001 Radio World story in which he discussed aspects of operating Layton Technical Services in McMurray, Pa.
Outside of his radio career, Layton was ordained for the Diocese of Joliet in 1981, eventually becoming a deacon.
Layton is survived by his wife Catherine, daughter Judith, son Christopher and his fiancé Julia, a grandson, two sisters and, nieces and nephews.
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