John Devine

Devine, John D

January 26, 1926 – August 23, 2022

On August 23, 2022 John D. Devine (96) passed away peacefully surrounded by his entire family. In 2010 his bride of 55 years, Gloria, passed away. Born of Irish immigrant parents, Elizabeth and Denis Devine in Brooklyn, New York, he was the youngest of three. His siblings Kay and Eugene passed away years ago and they lovingly referred to him as Buddy.

While still in high school, he was given his orders to report to the Air Force in 1944 where he served as a Sargent until 1946. He later got his GED and was prepared well by the military with specialized training in radio and radar technology. He parlayed his skills into an extraordinary career as a Radioman for NY Telephone that lasted 43 years. He ran cable and set up microwave equipment used to televise many events such as the Kraft Music Hour, boxing events, 1980 Winter Olympics, and the 1972 Republican Convention and more!

Those who knew him well called him Jack. In 1960 Jack and Gloria moved to Richmond Valley where they would raise their seven children, who he lovingly referred to as his magnificent seven. Jack was an avid reader and history buff. His oldest son Jon referred to him as the “original Google.” He was annoyingly good at crossword puzzles, big on trivia, and enjoyed telling jokes. Jack loved art, Broadway Plays and operas. He was a prolific stained-glass artist who generously gave his pieces away to friends and family. Music was his passion. He loved to listen to Classical, Big Band, Opera, and once told his daughter Ruthann he liked “Pink’s” song, “Try.” Jack was a wonderful dancer and was terrific at leading his wife and his two daughters around the dance floor or cutting a rug in the living room. He cultivated traditions around food and was known for how thin he could slice a roast to feed the masses. His specialties were Pizza, stews, omelets, and pancakes.

He is survived by his sons Jon Devine, Michael Devine and his wife Pamela, Denis Devine, James Devine and his wife Audrey and Thomas Devine, as well as his daughters Erin Devine and Ruthann Devine.

He was blessed with five grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. His grandchildren are: Sean Devine and his wife, Nirali , Allison Rose and her husband, Robert, Katelyn Devine, Jessica Devine, and Jimmy Devine. His greatgrandchildren are: Jon Thomas Rose, and Liliana Rose.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

Meals on Wheels of SI  or   Wounded Warrior Project