Thomas William Devaney

Thomas William Anthony Devaney – 11.17.1939 - 01.21.2024

Son of Ellen Geraldine (Winters) & William Havens Devaney. Never one to wait, Tom made his debut in his aunt’s market in Wahoo, NE. Raised in Omaha, he studied tap & ballet as a child. This led to his first start-up at age 11 - supplying popcorn bags to local bars where he would entertain the patrons with his charm, wit & dance moves.

South O proud, Tom graduated from Omaha South High School in 1957. There, he was active in the French & Dramatics Clubs. He was awarded the Associated Retailers Scholarship, enrolling at Creighton University aspiring to be an MD. During his Creighton years, Tom met his best friend & the love of his life, Mary Jane (MJ) Proplesch. They married in 1960 & started their family in 1961.

Tom worked his way through the ranks in Sales & Marketing before entering the Broadcasting field, quickly emerging as a leader in Advertising, Concert Promotions & Station Management. He was appointed Executive Vice President of Star Stations Radio group based out of Omaha at KOIL “The Mighty 1290” (WIFE Indianapolis & KISN Portland). He created remarkable ad & community engagement campaigns during the 70s. At the mike, he was the Nobody, but Nobody radio commercial voice for Jim Earp Chrysler-Plymouth. While his job required extensive travel, he maximized his time at home with his family & doted on them. Tom was active in the Omaha community though his kids’ schools, the Knights of Columbus & served 3 years as President of the Ak-Sar-Ben Little League.

In 1979, NBC Radio approached Tom to head-up Promotions in NYC. He & MJ didn’t want to raise their family in NYC & fell in love with California during their travels. They went West to Los Angeles where Tom continued to work in Sales & Marketing, forming MPA and Associates, a firm offering private investment opportunities & financing. His expertise in securing capital & restructuring business plans lead to his appointment as COO of Atlas Energy Corporation, where he expanded the company’s stock offering & increased mineral gas production. Empty nesters, Tom & MJ launched Great Western Business Services & Positive Products, developing Softbelly’s, their popular screen cleaning animal franchise, sold at nationwide retailers.

In retirement, Tom continued to work with the public in various sales positions at events & trade shows and was always one of the top & most sought after producers. He acquired his real estate license & booked leasing appointments around his grandchildren’s schedules, always available whenever they needed him. He enjoyed playing games, studying history, solving mysteries & puzzles, working on home improvement projects & anything where he could offer a helping hand, love, guidance & encouragement.

Of all the adventures Tom & MJ embarked on, they shined together & most enjoyed being parents, grandparents & great grandparents. Their love & enthusiastic spirits are cherished dearly & will never be forgotten.

He adored his family & is survived by brother, Charles (Chuck) Devaney, children Colleen (Don Dyke), Tom (Liza), Pat & Shannon; grandchildren Michaela Jacquet (Jeremiah), Jamison Dyke (Dani), Sean & Ryan Devaney, Sean, Jonathan (Sarah), Sonia, Spencer & Tanner Lussier; great grandchildren Cameron Jacquet, Ethan, Gabriel, & Lily Lussier.

Tom is now reunited with the love of his life, Mary Jane (MJ), his parents, sisters, Kathryn Cook & Barbara Huttner as well treasured in-laws, family & friends.

Mass Livestream – https://www.youtube.com/@AllThemesVideoPhoto

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting a cause near & dear to him –

The Pulmonary Research of his favorite clinician, Dr. Tisha Wang at UCLA www.giving.ucla.edu/TomDevaney

The Wounded Warrior Project – acknowledgement to [email protected] https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/