Dennis Devitt

Dennis M. Devitt

June 21, 1942 – July 16, 2016

Dennis (often affectionately referred to as “Denny”) was born to Robert and Mary (Bennett) Devitt in 1942 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the second of four children, older brother Michael and younger sisters Mary and Martha.  He spent most of his life in and around Long Beach, California.  In 1960, he graduated from St. Anthony’s High School, where he was known for his skill as a defensive football player, his debating abilities, and his outgoing and welcoming personality.   Everyone knew and liked Denny.  After high school, he followed his older brother to Santa Clara University where he was active in student government and school plays.  His dramatic off-stage death howl as Duncan in “Macbeth” resulted in his small role being the stand out performance of the play. 

Upon graduation with a Bachelor’s degree in economics, he joined the Los Angeles County Assessor’s office. At the same time, he began night law school at Loyola Law School.  He enlisted in the United States Navy in December 1964 and achieved the rank of Lieutenant JG by the time of his honorable discharge in December 1968.  He resumed his position at the County and law school in the fall of 1969; the same year he married Michele McDonnell (deceased 2003).  He and Michele soon had two beautiful daughters Tamara and Catherine, who brought them joy in every way.  He was a loving and supportive husband and father; “Daddy-Daughter” days were a common and favorite event.

After graduating law school in 1973, Dennis joined the Los Angeles County Counsel’s office. He retired from the County in 1998 as a Senior Deputy County Counsel and joined Nossaman LLP as a partner that same year.  He practiced with Nossaman until his retirement in 2008.  He specialized in eminent domain law and was a great advocate and trial lawyer.  Dennis truly relished his role as mentor to many lawyers, from the newly minted to the very experienced.  He was respected for his intelligence, leadership and the manner in which he presented himself; he managed to be serious and jovial at the same time.

When Dennis wasn’t in the courtroom artfully convincing juries to side with his client, he loved to play golf, bet on the horse races, serve the St. Pancratius parish community and travel. Dennis proudly achieved his goal of visiting all 50 states during his lifetime.

In May 2005, he married longtime friend Barbara Messerle. Dennis and Barbara enjoyed travel, fine dining and entertaining family and friends.   

Dennis lived his Catholic faith every day. He had a generosity of spirit that drew people to him.  It was seen in his kindness, graciousness and effervescent personality.  No matter how long he knew you – a stranger or a dear friend – he treated all the same.  Dennis believed in living life to the fullest and would be the first to say that he enjoyed a life filled with good friends and great adventure.   He will be truly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Messerle Devitt; daughters, Tamara Devitt (Joe Bartone) and Cathy Devitt Lucas (Joshua Lucas); stepchildren Jennifer Shrout (Jeffrey Shrout deceased 2014) and Paul Messerle (Matt Kitch); grandchildren, Julia and Hunter Lucas and Ciara Bartone; step-grandchildren, Jessica and Rebecca Shrout; his brother Michael Devitt and sister Martha Devitt; and many cousins and friends.

SERVICES

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Pancratius Church, 3519 St. Pancratius Place, Lakewood, California 90712 (562) 634-6111.

Graveside services will immediately follow at: All Souls Cemetery, 4400 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach, California 90807

Reception to follow at St. Pancratius Church Hall.

DONATIONS

Memorial donations may be made to:

St. Vincent De Paul - www.svdpusa.org/donate

Disabled American Veterans – www.dav.org/donate

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401