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Frank Devens Obituary

Frank John Devens, 79, of Jensen Beach, Fla., formerly of Fairfield, passed away on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010. A funeral service is planned for Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, at 9 a.m. at the Vander Plaat Colonial Home, Inc., 13-31 Saddle River Rd., Fair Lawn, 201-797-3500. The family will receive relatives and friends Saturday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. For additional information, please visit www.vpfairlawn.com. Born in Paterson, Frank proudly served with the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Frank earned a master's degree in education from William Paterson University in Wayne. Prior to retiring in 1985, he was a business teacher with Fair Lawn High School for 25 five years. He also served as head football coach for eight years and was named the Daily News High School Coach of the Year in 1965 and 1966. Frank was the beloved husband of Frances Ruth (Packard) Devens; loving and devoted father of Scott Devens and wife, Michele, Robert Devens and wife, Patty, Kelly Tamman and husband, Julian and Kathleen Devens Prendergast and husband, Doug Prendergast; he was the cherished grandfather of Daniele, Christine, Samantha, Declan, Connor, Jenna, Billie Jo, Christopher and Amy and dear brother of Robert Devens and wife, Patty. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Frank may be made to the American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer St., Hackensack, N.J. 07601.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Star-Ledger on Jan. 14, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Devens

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Anne Marie Lento

January 12, 2024

I think of Frank every time I pass by the house on Hollywood Avenue.
The Fairfield Pool is no more, Frank was the manager of the pool and he was the best, made us laugh 24/7. See you in Heaven Frank.
Anne Marie Lento

Former Student

May 30, 2023

Had Mr. Devens for Business law. He taught us some good lessons on how to beat the system and the law.

Tony Borzumato

January 29, 2010

My condolences to the Devens family. I knew Frank as "Sonny" the older brother of my dearest friend, Bob Devens. Sonny was always a tough guy larger than life with a brilliant football mind. His devotion to his wife,Fran during his marrage especially the last years shows a very warm side to a guy with a tough exterior. God Bless You Sonny.

Anne Marie Lento

January 26, 2010

To The Devens Family:
I just heard the news of Frank's passing. I have such fond memories of Frank, I smile just thinking of him.
I think of the entire Devens Family often as I drive down Hollywood Avenue. I will never forget the great summers spent at the Fairfield Pool. Frank always had us entertained and laughing.
Rest well dear friend,
Anne Marie Lento

January 21, 2010

To the Devens family,
I think of Mr. Devens often and have fond memories of our friendship, whether it be in business class, skiing or meeting with him years after graduation. We always had a good laugh. I offer my sympathies to you.
LJ Gorga
Class of '76

January 19, 2010

So sorry to hear of your loss.Mr.Devens was one of my teachers. Will be praying for the family at this difficult time. May the Lord comfort you at this time.
Lois Anne Lyman Metz

BillieJo Arnold-Nowlin

January 18, 2010

O golden angel sunken down
Wings sweeping folded upon the empty ground
Your shoulders hunched your head bent
Your body in pain your soul spent

Your time hear on earth
Has come to an end
To those you gave berth
Their hearts broken now must mend

But you will rise and you will watch
keeping vigil over those you've touched
Beaten down and tired
Your life on earth expired

But you are free
Free to fly
So tilt your head
Up to the sky

Raise your wings
Please don't cry
You will be missed
As you part goodbye

to my grandfather who i read about being such a wonderful man.. i just wish i had gotten to know you as they did...
rest in peace grandpa Frank...

My heart goes out to my uncles and aunt and their families..

January 18, 2010

Fran and Family:

So sorry to here of Frank's passing. Take care of yourself.

Thinking of you,

Beth Terry from Arkansas

JoAnn Bruno

January 16, 2010

Condolences to the Devins family. Mr. Devins was not only my teacher and mentor, he was also a friend. Always ready to help, give support and encouragement. I have many fond memories of Mr. Devins and the classes I had with him. As a cancer survivor myself, my 2010 Relay For Life walk will be dedicaed in his memory.

JoAnn Canova Bruno
Class of 1959

Marc Oler

January 16, 2010

Please accept my deepest condolences. Mr Devens was not only a good man, but he made a difference in many lives including mine.

Marc Oler FLHS '86

Gail Stussi-Lettera

January 15, 2010

My condolences to the entire Devens family. I think of Mr Devens everytime I type on my computer, he taught me to type. Who would have believed it would have come in so handy. He even took me to the hospital when I broke my leg skiing. What a great guy and teacher. He will be missed.
Gail Stussi-Lettera class of 1979.

Al Piaget

January 15, 2010

Jan. 15, 2010 Rest in peace to my friend from our Class of 1957, and sincere sympathies to Frank's loving family. I cannot be at the funeral because I will be in South Africa until mid-February.

Pete Cuozzo

January 14, 2010

Kelly and family, sorry about your loss. I lost my dad 3 months ago. I know what you are going through.

Marianne Traina

January 14, 2010

Rest in peace Coach Devens...a good man and a great football coach!

Marianne (Emmolo) Traina Class of 1967

Maria Brooks-McKenna

January 14, 2010

This man was my idol. I loved him as a teacher, a friend, a mentor. I graduated in 1985 knowing that he was there for me for 4 years and was now going to Florida to retire in peace. I have thought about him almost daily all these years and wish him everlasting peace as he goes Home. I love you "Old Man"....thanks for making my life everything it could be. Going Home on my birthday seems so fitting - like a perfect good-bye. With all my heart, Maria Brooks McKenna

Maria Freeze FLHS '72

January 14, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

January 14, 2010

My condolences to the entire Devens family.I taught with Frank for many years while at Fair Lawn High School and we became close friends, even bowling on the same team with Fran for a number of years. Frank was always a favorite of mine and he will be sorely missed.
Sherry & Alan Pressman

Dick Engelhardt

January 14, 2010

I was sorry to learn of Frank's passing. The 4th Head Football Coach in Fair Lawn High School History, Frank led the CUTTERS to a winning record of 39-23-1 (.629) during 1965-71. His 1965 and 66 CUTTERS won Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) titles and Frank was named NY Daily News Coach of the Year. He coached the final 17 games of the 24 game non-losing streak that began with Ed Sheehy's 1964 CUTTERS. We'll miss Frank. May he rest in peace.

Paul M Rosenberg

January 14, 2010

Please accept my deepest condolences. I knew Frank during our years at FLHS, and always found him a pleasure to work with.
Paul M. Rosenberg
FLHS Librarian, 1968-1990

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