GABRIEL DEVITTO

Gabriel Anthony

DeVitto

Gabriel A. DeVitto, 72, of Kennett Square, PA, passed away at his home on Friday, June 6, 2008, surrounded by his loving wife Patricia (Paolino) DeVitto, children, family and friends following a courageous battle with prostate cancer.

Gabe was born and raised in Port Henry, NY, the son of Anthony and Lucy LaPietro DeVitto. He was a graduate of Port Henry High School and received a Marine Engineering degree from the State University of New York Maritime College. He proudly served six years as a pilot in the US Navy achieving the rank of Lieutenant. While commissioned aboard the U.S.S. Lake Champlain Gabe flew one of the helicopters that photographed the landing and recovery of the first American astronaut Alan Sheppard. In 1963 he married Pat, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage, and started his 30 year career with the DuPont Company in Wilmington, DE. His first assignment was in research and development followed by many years in the transportation industry. Other than an assignment at the World Trade Center, he was centered in Wilmington, DE with extensive travel around the world. Following his retirement from DuPont in 1993, Gabe worked as a consultant for BDP International in Philadelphia, PA. Gabe loved life, God, family, friends, golf, platform tennis, cards, and traveling. But his greatest of all joys was participating in the many activities of Hana, Grant and Chase as well as long walks with Pat at Longwood Gardens. He was a long time member of St. Patricks Church, the Kennett Square Golf and Country Club, and the Italian American Club. He also served on the Board of Brandywine International Ltd, an international company with an Auntie Anne's Pretzel franchise in Hong Kong.

Gabe is survived by his wife Pat; son, Anthony M. DeVitto and wife Cynthia of West Chester, PA; daughter, Amy DeVitto Graybill, and husband Michael of Kennett Square, PA; 3 grandchildren, Hana and Grant Graybill and Chase DeVitto; sister, Margaret Rouba of Port Henry, NY, and brother, Charles DeVitto and wife Connie of Warrensburg, NY. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his sister, Mary Horton.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Father John Fisher at 11 am, on Thursday, June 12, at St. Elizabeth Church, 809 S. Broom St., Wilmington, DE. Viewing will be held from 5-8 pm, on Wednesday, June 11, at the church. Interment will be held at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Kennett Square, PA.

Contributions may be made in Gabe's memory to The Benedictine School for Exceptional Children, 14299 Benedictine Lane, Ridgely, MD 21660 and Neighborhood Hospice 795 East Marshall St, Suite 204, West Chester, PA 19380-4412.

Arrangements are being

handled by

HOUCK & GOFUS

FUNERAL HOME, Inc.

of Pottstown, PA.

Online condolences may be

made to the family at

www.houckgofusfuneralhome.com

610-323-8220