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Thomas DeVoe Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas DeVoe
Sheila A Williams( Donlon)
August 18, 2025
RIP Tommy, gone too soon
Sheila (Donlon) Williams
August 18, 2024
A life gone too soon ! You and Linda were the perfect pair ! RIP
Sheila(Donlon) Williams
August 18, 2023
Remembering you is easy Tom, you were a friendly and the nicest guy you would ever want to meet. RIP
Richard S. DeVoe
December 15, 2008
When I was growing up, I had two major male influences in my life. One, of course was my dad, and the other was my brother Tom.
Now if you’re a kid and you’re lucky, you have good parents. I hit the jackpot there. You’re twice blessed if you can share your childhood with a brother or sister. Again, I hit the jackpot. I had one of each.
Tom was three years older than myself, and my sister Kathleen, was three years younger, the baby. I was the proverbial Monkey in the Middle…the middle child.
When I was a kid, after dad, I looked up to him and tried to emulate most everything he did.
I followed him and his friends around and played in their games with them. Being the youngest and smallest, I was usually chosen last. But Tom made sure I was always included. In the summer we would play every day from morning until night, only stopping for lunch or supper. When the streetlights went on or the church bells rang at 9:00 pm we knew we had to go home. This made me try to play at their level and when I did compete with kids my own age I usually was able to play at a better level. I think that this was Tom’s intention.
Tom taught me how to throw, catch and bat a baseball. I remember vividly the hours we spent in front of the houses on Main St. and Lancaster St. or in the back of my grandmother’s house playing.
We would throw or hit the ball and it would bounce off the back of the wood frame house. My grandmother would yell “save the house”.
He also taught me how to drive a car and how to play golf. In hindsight, these were probably not his finest achievements.
Don’t get me wrong, I had talents that he didn’t have. Unlike Tom, I had a little bit of musical ability and could play the guitar. The only thing he could play was the radio. I remember one day when I was playing the song “Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones. Tom asked me if I could teach him how to play the famous opening riff. Now the riff is very simple and I showed him how top play it. He tried and finally got it down to where it was somewhat recognizable. However it was anything but satisfying. I was thrilled nonetheless because he was interested in something that was part of my world.
Like my father, Tom had a talent for working with his hands and all kinds of tools. Myself, well I have a reputation for not being so adept at such things. I remember when I wanted to build a shed for my yard. I discussed it with dad and I bought a kit to put together that was like a barn. The materials were delivered one day while I was at work. Since dad was retired at the time he was there when they dropped it off. When I came home from work, he was already starting to move the materials to get them ready.
The day finally came when we began to build the shed. Tom came and between him and my dad, they dove right into it. My function was pretty much relegated to being the gofer, drinking coffee and eating donuts. I might be slow, but I’m not stupid…they did most of the work. To this day I can hear them telling me, remember….”measure twice and cut once.”
During the days when we were at the hospital we talked about many things. I asked my mother who was a better baby…me or Tom. I didn’t ask her about my sister because I knew that there was no discussion about that. Being a mother, she said that we were all good babies and that she couldn’t remember any really terribly bad things we did. However she did say that when I was young, my dad worked the afternoon shift and that after supper she would walk with Tom and me to her mother’s house a couple of streets away to visit. I would start crying about 7:00 pm and she and Tom would have to take me home and put me to bed.
My brother on the other hand didn’t pose any real problems. The only time she could remember is that one time he took off and went fishing with my cousins Philip and Paul and didn’t tell her. When suppertime came he wasn’t home and nobody knew where he was. When he did arrive home, he caught hell and was sent to bed.
Tom loved baseball and like many other kids during that time he dreamed of being a major league player someday. His favorite player was Maury Wills of the Dodgers. Wills was a shortstop who had a reputation for stealing bases. My brother when he played Intermediate League, whish is now called Babe Ruth League, had to have the number 30 on his uniform. This was Maury Will’s number. Tom got the nickname Speedy for his love of Wills’.
As Tom grew older his interest in sports was overtaken by another American pastime...cars and girls. This combination usually doesn’t turn out well, but in his case it did. He met Linda and on August 24, 1969 they got married. Tom was only 19 yrs. old. Along with marrying Linda, he also married into a large Italian family. His days of getting a word in edgewise had ended. However they embraced him with open arms.
I remember the day because it was extremely hot. I was only 16 yrs. old and the best man. Joy and the other wedding party members tried to get me drunk. Luckily, it wasn’t any wine of sacramental vintage.
In July of 1970, a daughter, Kimberly, was born. Tom had now gone from being a teenager to now being a father. When Kim was born there were no stars in the universe that could have shined any brighter in his eyes. From day one he adored her. You could tell how proud and happy he was every time he held her, was with her, or spoke about her. Like all fathers he also worried about her and to this day he would call her at her house every night and tell her…”Kim, this is your father, make sure you lock your doors.”
Kim and Tom had nicknames for each other. He called her his “Dolly” and she called him “Fred”.
Shortly after they were married, Tom was accepted into the Apprentice Machinist program at the Watervliet Arsenal and began his career there. He rose up through the ranks and worked there until 2002 until he retired.
When he first started working at the Arsenal he worked the midnight shift. During the day he worked part-time for Linda’s father transporting the kids who were disabled or had other special needs to their various schools. He enjoyed this job because he liked the kids and they liked him. I think that they felt that he was a person who really did care for their well being and maybe saw beyond their particular problems.
After he retired, he went to work for John Farrell where he drove Limos. Tom loved this job and the guys he worked with. He often would tell my dad and mom about his day and the various jobs he did. Dad loved to hear these stories. I think that he liked the job so much because he was around people and in his own way was able to comfort them in their time of sorrow.
Most everyone here knew Tom and has there own memories of him. I ask that you think of the good times or memories you had.
During the weeks we spent at the hospital, people told me and I overheard many of these memories. There were memories of Tom from his friends whom he grew up or worked with. Also stories and memories of when he had his camp up north and his time playing golf with all his friends there.
Tom loved to play golf with his partners, Linda’s father Peppy, Frank Young, Pat Wonderford and all the other guys who had camps with him.
Their fun wasn’t just relegated to golf though. During the summer they would have special events like Christmas parties, ox roasts etc.
One year in celebration of Linda’s parents Peppy and Josie’s 45th wedding anniversary, the guys thought that it would be a good idea to surprise them with a party where they re-enacted the wedding ceremony. Now you know that this wouldn’t be a moment where Hallmark had a card to fit the occasion.
The ceremony started and with all the guests watching, the re-enactment of the nuptials began. Various guys were dressed as the wedding party and made their solemn (?) entrance. Finally the bride came down the aisle. The bride was dressed in her wedding best and had a long veil covering her head, her groom anxiously awaited the unveiling.
Finally, the moment arrived and the bride raised her veil….Tom was the beautiful bride and John Walsh the groom!!!!!
There were also memories of him playing baseball with his nephews or teaching them to drive and advising them when they wanted to buy their first cars.
He loved all his nephews and nieces and in return I know they loved him.
His nephews Scott and Bryon told me the other night that Tom took them to their first Yankee game on Old –Timers day in 1987. They went on the bus and he bought them ice cream which melted before they could get back to their seats. They said it was so hot that day that he took towels, wet them and wrapped them around their neck to try to cool them off. Taking them there was probably a bad thing since he gave them, especially Scott, the dreaded Yankee fan disease and obsession which continues to this day. Tom got his love for the Yankees from dad.
Tom had other interests. Like dad, he loved to read, particularly history and was a student of the Civil War. He also idolized John Wayne and collected his movies and was a fan of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt.
Tom liked to play practical jokes on people too. Ask Joy about their ongoing Harry Potter pranks, or John Farrell and Mike Brooks about the $100.00 bear.
For the past 20 years or so, Tom endured numerous medical problems, surgeries and ailments. Not once however, did he complain. He worried more as to how these issues effected the people he loved more than how they effected him. He was devoted beyond measure to Linda and Kim. And in return they were devoted to him.
But above all, outside of Linda and Kim, Tom was devoted to his mom and dad. After dad died, Tom took on the responsibility of looking after mom. Not that she needed any looking after. Mom is more independent and stronger than any of us. However, I know that Tom felt it was his responsibility to look after her.
Life is fleeting at best and I am blessed, grateful and honored for having had him as a brother. He has shown me in his own way how to love, listen, value time, have faith in god and try to live my life with some meaning. Those are gifts beyond measure.
My favorite Lennon/McCartney verse is a line from the song The End. It says… “and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make”.
Tom, certainly gave much love during his life and in return has been loved by many.
Rest in peace my friend.
I love you.
Marie Finkle
September 3, 2008
Linda,
Sorry to hear of your loss. I just found out last night Larry and I were away. Mom send her regards also.
Joyce Baranski
August 28, 2008
Linda and Family
So sorry about your loss. I found out on Tuesday as I was out of town, I certainly would have been there for you all.
Love Joyce
John Dwyer
August 26, 2008
Oh Linda and Kim!
We're so sorry to hear of Tommy's passing! He's a genuinely great friend with a fantastic sense of humor. We used to love trying to outdo each other's pranks (against each other, of course!). Anything else non work, or prank, related was always about Linda or his favorite kid on earth Kim. I'm sorry that we couldn't show up for the services, we just learned about his passing an hour ago.
God bless you both and rest assured that the Lord is putting him to good work 'harassing' the other angels!
Jack and Martie Dwyer
Kellie Warren -Dr. Wakil's Office
August 25, 2008
Linda and Kim,
Sorry to hear about Tom. He was a great guy when he came in Dr. Wakil's office. We always had something to talk about. I will always remember the good times that we had talking about the trips that Linda and Kim were going on. Tom never wanted to go !!!!! Our office will sure miss the laughs and smiles from Tom.
Doris Vojnar
August 25, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
Doris Vojnar
August 25, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home
August 25, 2008
The Staff of the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home was saddened to hear of Tom's passing. Tom IS a great man and was truly a professional whenever we had the pleasure to work with him.
Kevin Cavanaugh
John Martin
Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home
Sandy & Keith LeBlanc
August 25, 2008
Linda & Kim
Sorry about the loss of your dad & husband i know he was a very special person and friend. I will also remember him in the first seat on the bus going to foxwoods. He will be missed by all.
Maryann and Tom Benedetti
August 25, 2008
Dear Linda and Kim,
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of your Husband and Dad. He was a wonderful being and very devoted to his family. Our deepest sympathy to you both at this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
The Benedetti family
Joan McGrath
August 25, 2008
Linda,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Extending heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Sincerely
Joan McGrath
Debbi Bowen
August 24, 2008
Linda and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed greatly by so many.
Michele Boucher
August 24, 2008
Mrs. Devoe and Kim, our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family at the loss of your loved one.You are in our thoughts and prayers, from all of your friends at Albany Regional Eye Surgery Center.
Sheila Williams
August 24, 2008
Linda & kim, I was so sorry to hear about you loss today. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Take care and god bless, Sheila(Donlon) and Skip Williams
Warren and Christine (Jolicoeur) Smith
August 24, 2008
Dear Linda,
Words cannot express our deep sadness on learning of Tom's passing. He was a unique and gentle man and know he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Kim and the rest of your family during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Warren & Chris
Diedre Caesar
August 24, 2008
Aunt Linda and Kim,
I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Tom was a kind and funny person. He always made me feel welcome, and I enjoyed his company. I still remember him teasing me about the Dodgers in the World Series the first year I moved to NY.
My sympathies to you both.
Jean Thibodeau
August 24, 2008
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Jean & Pat Thibodeau
Laura Kincaid
August 24, 2008
Linda and Kim,
Although we cannot be with you physically, our hearts are with you through these most difficult days. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Laura and Steve
Joseph Mosseau
August 24, 2008
Linda, Kim, Pauline, Rich, and Kathleen My deepest sympathies to you on your loss of Tom. My memories of Tom was that he was a gentle individual who enjoyed a good laugh. As he always said to me "I'll be the last guy to let you down"
Bob & Linda Bova
August 24, 2008
Linda,Kim, Mrs. Devoe and family;
I'm so sorry for your loss,there are never the right words to express how deeply sad I am for your loss.
Friends like Tom are few in life and it is with a heavy heart that I also grieve with your loss.
Tom's friendship meant a lot to me, and I couldn't have asked for a more genuine friend. Memories of our time together as we grew up are forever present and everytime we crossed path he still declared that he beat me in homerum derby; that was over forty years ago. My memories of Tom will always be held dear to me. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Roberta (Paolone) Clark
August 24, 2008
Linda, Kim
I was so sorry to hear about Tommy's death. Please know Tommy and you are all in my prayers.
Debbie McKeough
August 24, 2008
Linda and Kim I am so sorry to hear about Tommy. You have wonderful memories to remember him by. I won't be able to make it there for the service but you will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Laurie Carey
August 24, 2008
Linda, Kim, Mrs. Devoe, Rich, Debbie, Kathy & Steve,
My deepest condolences to you for your loss. I feel it is also my loss because we are family. Tom was a wonderful human being, there is not enough room here to explain everything good that he did since I first met him at the age of 15. He was there for me during tough times always lending a kind word and offering help. I hope that now he is at peace and can look over each and every one of us. He will be missed greatly.
Love Laurie
Peter DeCicco
August 24, 2008
Tom and I went to school togeather always a great guy he will be missed Linda I am very sorry for your loss
Pete
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