Joseph F. Devers of Blue Point, NY died Thursday at St. Francis Hospital, Flower Hill, NY following an illness. His wife is the former Linda Desser. The couple had been married 50 years.
Born in Scranton, son of the late Patrick and Mary McCarthy Devers, he was educated in the Scranton Schools and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Scranton. His life’s passion for 38 years was being an elementary school math teacher in Lyndenhurst, NY and then Bay Shore, NY, and he was also a member of the teacher’s union. He was a devout Catholic, he was a dedicated member of St. Lawrence the Martyr Roman Catholic Church, Sayville, NY, where he was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. His devotion to his faith is best exemplified with his devotion and support to St. Ann and the Basilica named in her honor in Scranton.
Also surviving are sons Christopher and his wife Christine of Congers, NY and Jay and his wife Jennifer of Blue Point, NY; a sister Mary Devers and a brother Paul Devers both of Scranton; grandchildren Courtney, Jillian, and Jordan; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by sisters Patricia and Dorothy and brothers Robert and Patrick.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10:00am in Immaculate Conception Church 801 Taylor Ave. Scranton, PA 18510 by Rev. Joseph Sica.
Friends may call Tuesday from 9:00am until time of Mass.
Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.
To share a memory or to leave a condolence please visit www.vanstonandjames.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of the Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash. St. Scranton, PA. 18510.
In lieu of flowers the family encourages memorial contributions be made to Alzheimer’s Association at PO Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011 or by visiting alz.org
Tom Murray
Jay and Chris,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Joe was a great guy and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Tom Dexter
To the Devers family from the Dexter family our condolences and may peace be with you all.Big joe will be missed GO IRISH !!
Chris Lu
Christine, Chris, Courtney,
So sorry to hear of the news. Your family will be in our thoughts during this time of loss.
Jorge Marques
To the Devers family my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you Jay and your family.
Lisa Bellamore
To Chris and Jay, and the entire Devers family, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. Devers so fondly. He was one of my most favorite teachers. Every experience with him was special, from the classroom to the ski slopes. He inspired me to learn, to be my best, and to not be intimidated by the difficulties of math problems or moguls. I also remember so well his friendship with my Dad, who passed away a couple of years from Parkinson’s and dementia. The Bay Shore years were very special. Sending my condolences and much love.
Rebecca Moran
This past year I’ve been trying to find a way to send a letter to Mr Devers to thank him for all he did for me. He was my sixth grade teacher and he changed the course if my life. He could tell quickly I was struggling but was able, I just needed help. He got the school to pay attention to my learning disability, something my mother had been fighting a losing battle for years. I got services and learned how to cope. He also pulled me from a math class with an abusive teacher and put me in his class, he gave me extra work and challenged me. With his guidance I was able to see I was good at math. He also looked out for me with bullies, and helped me manage as best he could. My school life wasn’t ever easy, but without his intervention I’d never have gone to college and built the career I have now. I also don’t know how much harder it would have been without him helping me socially, I don’t know if I would have made it without him. I wish I could have told him, but I hope his family knows that he’s touched so many lives and made this world a better place.