Patrick J. Devers

Patrick J Devers, a resident of South Abington Twp., peacefully passed away on Saturday surrounded by his loving family in the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, the former Jeanne Manley.

Born November 20, 1932 in Scranton, he was the son of the late Patrick and Mary McCarthy Devers. Pat was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School, class of 1952, and the class of 1956 at East Stroudsburg University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. He also attended graduate school at both St. John’s and Hofstra University. Pat worked as a physical education teacher for 33 years at the Thompson Junior High School in Syosset, New York. During his time there, he was also a proud couch of the High School soccer and baseball teams. Pat went on to become the Recreational Director for both the Oyster Bay Community and the Syosset School District. His programs grew to serve a multitude of people throughout numerous communities of Long Island.

A lover of boating and fishing off Long Island waters, he was a licensed boat captain.  He was also a talented woodworker and dog lover. He will be greatly missed by his two poodles Seamus and Molly. But most of all, Pat will be remembered as a kind, loving and generous person- a true gentleman. 

Surviving are his daughter Kathy Mayer and her husband Michael of Sparta, New Jersey; and son Kevin Devers and his wife Joanne of Manorville, NY. He was predeceased by his beloved son Sean Devers, with whom he is now shopping in Heaven’s Home Depot.

He was a devoted “Pop-Pop” of Kristina Devers, Alyssa Devers, Daniel Mayer, Matthew Mayer, and Emily Mayer; and also survived by nieces and nephews, including Mary Ellen Devers, whose selfless devotion to provide tremendous love and care during his illness is greatly appreciated.

Pat leaves his sister Mary Devers of Scranton; brothers Joseph of Bayport, NY and Paul Devers of Scranton; his daughter in law Olga Devers of West Islip, NY.  He was preceded in death by sisters Dorothy and Patricia Devers and brother Robert Devers.

Celebration of Pat’s life will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at the Immaculate Conception Church 801 Taylor Ave., Scranton by Rev. Joseph Sica.

Viewing from 9-10am, and Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 10am.

Friends and family may call Saturday morning from 9am until the time of Mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Pat’s name to StJude.org. He lived by the idea to love one another and spend time together, because at the end, that’s all you’ll have to take with you- the love. His wife Jeanne wishes that we follow Pat’s creed and embrace his ideals.

Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of the Vanston and James Funeral Home, Ash St., Scranton.

To share a memory or to leave a condolence please visit www.vanstonandjames.com.