Donald "Mitch" DeVall
Donald "Mitch" DeVall
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Donald DeVall Obituary
Age 72, on Thursday, March 6, 2008. Born and raised in Bloomfield, Mitch started playing drums at the age of 16 and played in a band known as the Nairobi Trio in his early years. While stationed in Ft. Gordon, GA, Mitch met his future wife, Norma Herrell. They were married August 6, 1960, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Augusta, GA. Following his discharge from the Army Mitch and his wife returned to the Pittsburgh area to live. Mitch continued to play drums and became known as the leader of Mitch DeVall's Old Guard Band and Mitch DeVall's Ragtyme Band. The bands were popular many years playing regularly at Bimbo's in Oakland and Kennywood Park. Mitch was also known as the owner of Mitch DeVall's Carousel Restaurant and Nightclub formerly located on Stanwix St. in Pittsburgh, along with the Tin Pan Alley Room where he frequently performed ragtime and sing-a-long music. The Tin Pan Alley Room also featured comedians and comedy sketches long before comedy clubs became in vogue. He later continued in the entertainment industry as the proprietor of DeVall Productions bringing talented musicians and well known performers to the Pittsburgh area until his retirement in 2004. Mitch is preceded in death by his father Harry DeVall and mother Elizabeth Gregg DeVall, his brother Howard DeVall and sister Virginia Quigley. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Norma DeVall, four children, son, Mitchell Gregg DeVall and his wife Nancy, daughter, Renee DeVall Gaskins and her husband Paul, daughter, Laura (DeVall) Sheldon and her husband Noel and son, Brian Richard DeVall; eight grandchildren, Stephanie DeVall, Mitchell DeVall, Ryan Sheldon, Benjamin Sheldon, Sarah Sheldon, Nicole Gaskins, Matthew Gaskins and Lucas Gaskins; niece, Sandi McMaster and nephews, William Quigley and Howard DeVall. Family and friends received Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9pm at WINTER FUNERAL HOME, P.C., 4730 Friendship Ave. Funeral Monday 10am, service 11am at the Funeral Home.
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
17 Entries
Chuck and Jean DeSabato (Madeline's family)
March 23, 2008
Dear Norma, we just heard of your loss and want to tell you how sorry we are. Mitch was a great guy, we really missed him when he had to move from Beverly (Golden Living), his dry sense of humor was a source of great enjoyment to us. We didn't know Mitch long, but it was our pleasure to say we did. Our condolences to you and your family. Hold onto those great memories!
Ray Allen
March 20, 2008
To the DeVall family and friends:
I remember my parents visiting me in Pgh.; Dad said, "Why do we have to leave the ball game after 7 innings?" It was the only way to get a seat at Bimbos. Those memories are so special; kindest regards
Laura Sheldon
March 16, 2008
To my Dad-dio From the Rad-dio,
I love you and I will miss. Love ya dad, "Lulu"
stephanie devall
March 13, 2008
i will truly miss you grandpa, u definitely miss those jokes u always told to make us laugh. loe u grandpa
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Sonny Tadich
March 12, 2008
DeVall Family: The members of Side Show Band would like to send their heartfelt condolances. Mitch you will always be our only agent. I worked for Mictch for 20 yrs. during the 80's and 90's. You were truely one of the best entertainers I have ever known. You did it all, music, jokes, gags and stories. You like Myron Cope are truely a Pittsburgh Entertainment Icon! What's more, you were a honest and kind man. Something that is hard to find within the cold entertainment business. Side Show last count traveled ten of thousands of miles working for and with our partner Mitch. The times you came to see us perform, I would often be late for the set just wanting to hear one more of your stories. We will miss you, all of us in the musical community. Someone like you only comes along once in life and it was my previlage to have met you and worked under you. I could always remember you ending our phone calls with So Long Sonny. May God Rest Your Soul and bring comfort to your family.
So long Mitch
Kirk Thompson
March 12, 2008
DeVall Family: As a member of the band Breezin' Music during the late 70's and early 80's, I had the pleasure of working with Mitch. Both professionally and personally, he helped support an important part of my life, and the lives of others. He was a true professional and such a nice person. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Sarajean, TRAXX
March 10, 2008
Mitch, what a gift and pleasure it was to work with you. You were always fair and I so trusted you. I enjoyed your many stories, especially, about your 'drum playin' days'. My deepest sympathies for your family. You will truly be missed.
T.J. Hakas
March 10, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mitch. I first met him at Bimbo's, but got to know him better after teaching his children at Patton Heights Elementary School. He will be missed.
Darlene
March 10, 2008
Norma DeVall and Family,
I was in the band "Breezin'" in the early 80's and Mitch booked many gigs for us in the Pittsburgh area. If not for him, I don't think we would have had as much work as we did. May God be with you all during this most difficult time.
Gail Anwyll
March 10, 2008
Laura: So sorry to learn about your Father's passing when I returned from vacation today. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
john Degory
March 10, 2008
Mitch will be missed by the entire music community. You were a good friend and treated musicians honestly. You keep my bands working for many years and we enjoyed working with you.
You will be truely missed.
John
Patrick Kevin Sheldon
March 9, 2008
Mitch,
You picked the toughest darn town for a career in show business. And you did it! A class act, back then and always.
(Laura's brother in law)
Angela Vergos
March 8, 2008
DeVall Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
John, Angela and Chris Vergos
Jack
March 8, 2008
Jack Derry & Carol Derry
john papi
March 8, 2008
Mitch
I offen think of the Gigs you book us at.. they were the good old days, and we miss them, and i offen think of all the laughs we had thru the years.. Sympthys to the family, and god bless.. john papi
Elaine Kropp
March 8, 2008
I feel like I've lost an old friend. You see my husband and I were Steel City Stompers "groupies" in the 70s. We met at Bimbo's and so enjoyed Mitch's playing and humor that we carried our toilet paper "do-da-dos" as we followed the group to its various venues. He brought so much joy and happiness into his performances that it was contagious - you HAD to have a great time. Farewell, and truly thanks for the memories.
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