John J. Devine
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Published in The Republican on July 7, 2021
John Devine passed away on Sunday July 4, 2021 at his home while resting comfortably with family. Diagnosed with ALS in 2019, John faced the disease head on, relying on his Catholic faith, which he shared to the end.
A native of New York City, John attended Archbishop Malloy High School in Queens and graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in English and Social Work. John met the love of his life while in graduate school for Social Work and pursued her with a singular focus through letters and telephone calls, often separated in different cities. After years of private practice dedicated to family therapy, John began a 32 year career as the adjustment counselor at Longmeadow High School. The students, faculty and staff became his second family in Massachusetts; and they inspired him to also become a leader, a role model and steward for tolerance, equality and respect. Recently inducted into the Massachusetts High School Track Coaches Hall of Fame, John was the Head Girls Track & Field Coach at Longmeadow High School for 22 years. Under his guidance, the Lady Lancers earned 26 League Championships and 6 Western Mass Titles; but John always preferred to focus on the 4,560 wonderful young women and men who shared his passion for improvement of self and commitment to team.
John is survived by his wife and soulmate of 45 years Deborah, his two beloved children Greg (Lynelle) and Emily (Geoffrey Bain); and his cherished grandchildren: Cameron (9), Anastasia (7), Gabriella (6), Philomena (2) and a newborn grandson.
Calling Hours will SUNDAY July 11th at the WILBRAHAM FUNERAL HOME, 2551 BOSTON RD., from 1 to 3 PM. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held MONDAY July 12th at 10 AM in St. Catherine of Siena Church, 1023 Parker St., Spfld. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Park Cemetery, 895 Parker St., Spfld. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name may be made to Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS), P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574.
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