Cover photo for Jack F. Matranga's Obituary
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Jack F. Matranga

November 30, 1925 — January 11, 2012

Jack F. Matranga

A local broadcasting pioneer, died peacefully in his Sacramento home at age 86, surrounded by loving care, on January 11, 2012 Beloved husband for 53 years of Ellie, devoted father of Jill and cherished grandfather of James Taugher. Jack was preceded in death by his wife and mother of his children, Annabelle(Sears) and oldest daughter, Jan. A Sacramento native, Jack was born on November 30, 1925 to parents John and Franca (Dichiara) Matranga. He grew up in the midtown neighborhood of 25th and F Streets and attended Marshall Elementary, Sutter Jr. High and Sacramento High School. Upon graduation in 1943, and after a semester at Sacramento City College. Jack enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After the war, Jack was stationed in Tokyo with Armed Forces Radio. This experience, combined with a childhood interest in broadcasting, led him back to Sacramento after his military discharge where he began work for McClatchy Broadcasting. Mentors Eleanor McClatchy and Ewing C. Kelley, were instrumental in encouraging Jack to follow his dream of a career in broadcasting. In 1949, Jack moved to work as a program director/disc jockey at radio station KSYC in Yreka. Eventually, Jack returned to Sacramento and continued this broadcasting career in radio at KCRA Radio, as news director. In 1958. Jack met and married Eleanor (Ellie) Smith. Around this same time, Jack, along with partners Steve George and Irv Schwartz, used letters from their surnames as the call letters for their newly formed radio station, KGMS. After nine years of this successful venture, the station was sold. Due to a 5 year non-compete clause in the sales contract of the station, Jack joined the real estate investment and development firm of Bowman and Long. The rapid growth of Sacramento commercial and residential real estate markets lead to the firm's success and partnerships in development of landmark areas of Sacramento. Among these included Jack's proudest involvement: the Guy West Bridge across the American River to CSUS. Also during these 5 years of non-compete broadcasting, Jack began to lay the groundwork for fulfilling his next dream of owning and managing a local television station. In 1968, KTXL Channel 40 went on the air in partnership with BMA of Kansas City. The success of Sacramento's first UHF station lead to ownership of two other stations: KDVR, in Denver, CO and KPDX in Portland, OR. Upon the sale of KTXL and KDVR, Jack retained sole ownership of KPDX which led Jack and Ellie to the Portland/Vancouver area. Jack retired from broadcasting after the sale of KPDX and returned again to Sacramento where he and Ellie designed and built the home in which he passed. Jack was not only astute and successful in business but a true, Italian Renaissance man as well. His knowledge of history, geography and the pursuit of his photography hobby, led to world travels with Ellie by his side whether in a car, train, jet (even 2 flights on the Concorde!) and especially on cruise ships. His love of travel became so key to Jack that he purchased a travel agency, Cordova Travel. He was an impeccable dresser and with a broadcasters voice and his intellectual curiosity, Jack was a gifted orator. His love, appreciation and vast knowledge of music, film, wine, and gourmet fare continued throughout his life. Jack's great business success offered him the pleasures of luxury and the completion of childhood dreams. As a boating enthusiast, yachting the Delta, San Francisco Bay and throughout the San Juan and Gulf Islands, brought Jack and Ellie many years of pleasure. A family vacation home on the sands of Carmel Beach continues to bring cherished memories to the Matranga family. Jack was a member, past and present, of 20/30 Club. Valley Hi and Del Paso Country Clubs, Sutter Club. Crocker Art Museum, Symphony League, Opera Guild, Sacramento Yacht Club, Sacramento Zoological Society, Lion's Club, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, National Association of Broadcasters, National Association of Television Program Executives, Independent Television/News Association and California State Broadcasters Association. Jack, known about town as 'Mr. TV 40'. will be remembered as a Sacramento success story, for wherever he went and whatever he achieved, he proudly called Sacramento home. The family extends the deepest thanks and gratitude to his physician Dr. David Lehman, long time family employee Dominique Embrey and his loving caretakers. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 10:00a.m. at St Francis of Assisi Church, Sacramento. Burial will be private. Contributions can be made to the Jack F. Matranga Scholarship Fund for students involved in, and with a passion for, broadcasting at KBFT, Christian Brothers High School, Sacramento. Arrangements by W.F Gormley & Sons.
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