Search by Name
Search by Name
HIGHLAND BEACH, FLA. -Joseph C. DeVita, 88, beloved father, husband, and friend passed away on Feb. 14, 2013, at Abbey Delray Health Center in Delray Beach, Fla.
Most recently residing in Shelby and Highland Beach, Joe was born Nov. 18, 1924, in Port Chester, N.Y., to Joseph DeVita and Florence Castiglione DeVita of Greenwich, Conn.
After serving in the Navy during World War II in the South Pacific, Joe was recalled during the Korean War for combat missions flying with the Mosquito Tactical Control Group. He earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Kentucky and his Ph.D. from Nova University. He began his 30 year career in education with the Norwalk, Conn. Public Schools, working his way from teaching to serving as principle at the junior high and high school levels, and later retiring as assistant superintendent of that system in 1984. During his career, he served as adjunct professor to the University of Bridgeport, University of Maine, Fairfield University, and Catholic University (Puerto Rico). In addition, he produced four notable educational textbooks.
Following retirement, Joe spent many years as an ambassador host for Crystal Cruise Line, touring the world several times. He enjoyed (and was quite good at) ballroom dancing, cooking a big pot of Italian sauce, and playing cards. While on a cruise, he met and later married Jayne Paksoy. Wherever they traveled, he would always search out places where they could dance. Joe lived a spirited life full of fun and adventure.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his first wife, Jeanne Carrigan DeVita, and by his brothers, Leonard and Nicholas.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jayne Paksoy DeVita; his son, Joseph C. DeVita III; his daughter, Jeanne DeVita Jaskolski, her husband Michael, and grandchildren, Sophia, Ava, and Wade; and son, Nicholas DeVita, his wife Stacey, and grandsons, Nicholas and Timothy.
In addition to nieces and nephews, he had several "bonus" children and grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Ali B. and Peggy Paksoy and grandchildren, Allison Hughes (Thomas), Stephanie Norrell (Billy), and Whitney Bridges; Niki Paksoy and Steven Irish; John and Amy Paksoy and grandchildren, Kerry (Yumi), Ali John, Kay Nicole, Kinslee, and Ryan; Scott and Sydney Paksoy and grandchildren, Kelli, and Cameron.
Joe will always be greatly loved and missed by all who had the honor of knowing him and the blessing of having him in their lives.
A private celebration of life service will be held in his remembrance by family members.
Memorials: May be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mr. Devita dedicated to education of students like myself. I graduated in Class of 1969 from Brien McMahon High School. Our teachers, guidance counselors and principals gave us our foundation for life. Thank you Mr. Devita.
Ruth Ann Spescha
School
February 10, 2023
My deepest condolences on the loss of Mr. Devita, to the whole Devita family.
Sincerely,
Diane Saltarelli
Diane Meng
February 16, 2014
My sympathies go to the family of Mr. DeVita. I always think about his phrase"mutual respect and dignity'.
May he rest in peace.
Annette Bellantoni Aneson
BMHS class of 1969
Annette Aneson
March 7, 2013
I was never afraid to go to the principal's office when I was at Brien McMahon - because we (students) all knew Mr. DeVita was a kind, funny, fair man. I attended McMahon in the 70's and with him there, felt safe, even if the times were "tumultuous"! Rest in Peace, Mr. DeVita.
Judy Eckenrode-Porter
March 3, 2013
so sorry for your lose. i had mr devita at mcmahon for 4 years 66-70 and he got to know me by my first name when i had to go to his office. even though i was in trouble, he would always just smile and say "you again'. he was the nicest man. always far. my he rest in peace
kathleen ross
February 27, 2013
Mr. Devita, One of the nicest persons to have known while attending the Ben Franklin school. Best principal ever. God Bless the Family in their loss.
Mildred Davis
February 27, 2013
I will always remember Mr. Devita, always pleasant and fair. He was the best principal ever. God Bless the family.
February 27, 2013
I shall always remember Mr. DeVita from my school days at Benjamin Franklin Junior High School and Brien McMahon High School. He was a very intelligent and kind hearted Educator and Counselor with a "down to earth" attitude. He will be missed by all those who loved and respected him. God bless him and his family.
Sincerely,
Virginia Cundari Falcone
Virginia Cundari Falcone
Virginia Falcone
February 27, 2013
Praying for Mr De Vita's family and friends. I graduated in 1969 from Brien McMahon and certainly remember our fine principal. Those years remain precious and classmates are reflecting on the fact that we were blessed. Thank you, Mr De Vita.
Ruth Ann Anderson/Spescha
February 26, 2013
God Bless him, he was my principal in both middle and high school, He was very strict but maybe that is why I am this way today.
Alfredo Del Gado
February 24, 2013
I always admire Mr DeVita he was my Ben Franklin Junior High always treated us respectful and taught us to have self respect a kind man my prayers and thoughts to his family
debbie marsan
February 23, 2013
He was my principal at Benjamin Franklin JHS and at Brien McMahon HS. I graduated from BMHS in 1972. He was always a fair & kind man. My sympathies...
Dave Lewis
February 23, 2013
I was a student at Brien McMahon (graduated in 69). Mr. Devita was a wonderful man, left a lasting impression on me for life. My prayers and sympathies to his entire family.
Ilona Perry Harris
February 23, 2013
Sorry for your loss.
Ellen Taylor Palmer
February 22, 2013
As a student at BMHS during those tumultuous 70s, Mr. DeVita will always have a place in my memory. I'm sorry for your loss.
Elizabeth Hilts
February 22, 2013
Mr.DeVita was an awesome principal as well as a good person you could go to advice for and have someone to confide in. He was a great influence in my life as wellas my sister's. He touched alot of lives and will always be remembered. RIP Mr.DeVita
Carol Bromley Terjesen
February 22, 2013
It is with great sadness that we learned of Joe's death. Both of us were fortunate to have worked for him when he was headmaster at Brien McMahon High School, and we will remember him fondly. Our deepest sympathies to you, his family.
Lou and Louise Constantinople
February 22, 2013
Joe was such a sweet easy going man. I always enjoyed seeing him and know he will be missed.
Lynn Spangler
February 22, 2013
Dr. Joe was my children's Principal at Brien McMahon. They truly admired and respected him. I was a colleague of his at central office where I also admired him and respected him as we worked together for the betterment of the Norwalk Schools.Our memories of him are his proud legacy. My sympathy to his family. Carolyn Rosenfield
Carolyn Rosenfield
February 22, 2013
Mr. DeVita was my mentor when I was getting my masters at the Univ. of Bridgeport. He was extremely helpful and knowledgable. He was a great asset in my educational growth. I never forgot him.
Angela Flynn
February 22, 2013
I remember Mr Devita. He had so many of my family at both Ben Franklin and Brien McMahon My pryers are for the family for we all know that God has a new Principle to show leadership to all the young angles. Thanks Mr. Devita, you were a large influence on my life and I know also on my brothers.
Robert "Bob" Horne
February 22, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. DeVito as I was a student of Ben Franklin and Brien McMahon High School, graduating in 75. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of your family.
Angela Fioretti (Talarico)
February 22, 2013
Remembering Mr. DeVita fondly as a BMHS Class of 1974 graduate. He was a wonderful school administrator and very patient listener to my constant suggestions of curriculum improvement. Thoughts and prayers to the DeVita family.
Linda (D'Amato) Hayes
February 22, 2013
I remember Uncle Joe dancing at my wedding.
The youngest brother of three men who loved life and knew how to live it.
He'll be missed.
My sympathies to you and the family..
Lenore in L.A.
February 22, 2013
Jeanne and family,
I'll miss my dancing uncle who always had a smile and an easy -going manner.
Condolences to all...
Michele
February 22, 2013
To the family of mr. Devita
may he R.I.P. He had a kind spirit, His student from Ben Franklin God's peace at this time keep the fond memory alive.
Delores Shivers
February 22, 2013
My dad John Ginter remember growing up in the neighborhood with Mr. DeVita...He has fond memories of him...Condolences
Jane Ginter Russo
Jane Ginter Russo
February 22, 2013
I was a student at Ben Franklin and later Brien McMahon, while Mr Devita was principal. I always thought he was a good guy but never realized how accomplished he was.
May you always happily remember him and follow his lead.
All the best.
--Kevin Tisdall
kevin tisdall
February 22, 2013
so sorry for your loss ......
D'ann Fanning
February 22, 2013
To the Family of Mr. DeVita I am truly touched in reading his life-story! We as his students had no idea what a treasure we walked among! With all that he accomplished in his wonderful life, he would have had every opportunity to be self-righteous and boastful, yet he was neither of those things! He was a teddy bear of a man, giving comfort, praise, and even in "stern" discipline it was easy to see his deeply caring heart in his eyes! I will always remember him with a smile in my heart and will pray for you, his loving family to heal through the grief knowing what an honor it was to know him. We will remember him at our 40yr Class Reunion later this year. ~Barb J Gradia BMHS Class of 1973
Barbara Jean Gradia
February 22, 2013
Joe was the person who hired me along with Mike Muro and Dr Forc. to begin my teaching career on 9/1/69 at BMHS which began with a 4 day teachers strike. 50% of us were BA step 1 and we had a lot to learn about the real world. Joe was great and they were great about teaching the art of teaching. Joe told us I will leave you alone and trust you but if you mess up I will be all over you. Fair he was. We learned so much from him in oh so many ways. In later years I communicated with Joe and the last time he reminded me that our most impotant gift of all is time.Thank you so much on bealf of the so many you touched. We are forever most grateful In Unity Always Bruce LeVine Mellion President Norwalk Federation of Teachers PS The holiday punch bowls were great.
Bruce Mellion
February 22, 2013
To The Devita Family,
How we truly remember Mr. Devita in our years at Ben Franklin and Brien McMahon he was a breath of fresh air and a great inspiration to all of us!
Kim White-Miller
Denise Rawles-Smith
Kim White-Miller
February 21, 2013
I am very sorry for your loss DeVita family.
Janice Mayor
February 21, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss DeVita family.
Janice Mayor
February 21, 2013
We go back a very long time in my education. We discussed my daughter,s decisions, but you were always positive and fun. I remember the old jr. Hugh schhol when you were the Asst. Supt. A job well done. We have lost a personable man. God bless you in heaven. Sympathies to you family.
Angela Ciccarelli Cimminello
February 21, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
February 21, 2013
Remembering Mr. DeVita fondly as a BMHS '78 Graduate. My sympathy goes out to all of his family. God Bless
February 21, 2013
Heartfelt Sympathy to the entire Joseph C. Devita family. Mr. DeVita was my principal. I was a student at Ben Franklin Middle School and Brien McMahon High School, graduating in 1973. Mr. DeVita was always kind, caring, and a lovely man. I am so glad to read that he lived a wonderful life traveling, and doing what he best loved. I am so sorry for your loss.
Roberta Gail Rudolf
February 21, 2013
You touched many lives and passed on much wisdom. My deepest sympathy,
George Bolton,BMHS class of 1979
February 21, 2013
sorry to hear about passing of your Dad. A long time friend. sue cameron
sue cameron
February 21, 2013
Joe, Jeanne & Nick, my deepest sympathy is with you all. The many memories of your mom & dad will never be forgotten at all your house parties in the 70's,his cooking,your pool parties, great times indeed! Your dad was also an asset to my bowling team!When I hear the crackle of thunder now, it will be our folks shuffling their pinochle deck!Rest in peace Joe & many thanks!
Alan Pace
February 21, 2013
sorry to here about your dad joe!!
raymond mannion
February 21, 2013
My sincere condolences to the DeVita family. I was a student at Ben Franklin from 1968-1970 and then went on to Brien McMahon. I had the utmost respect for Mr. DeVita. He always had an easy-going, approachable manner and I was very fond of him. What a beautiful life I was honored to touch. God bless you all.
Patty Quick
February 21, 2013
Heartfelt sympathy...Mr. DeVita was a wonderful man...
Brien McMahon High School Class of 1973
Jane Ginter Russo
February 21, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to Jayne, Joe, Nicky and Jeanne Marie on Joe's passing. We will always remember the good times we enjoyed over the years.Fred and Ronnie Urban
February 21, 2013
Joe was always cheerful and interested in what we were doing. He admired my mother and did everything for her. And he was a hell of a dancer. There's a Joe-sized hole in the Paksoy family.
Niki Paksoy
February 18, 2013
Showing 1 - 46 of 46 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more