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JOHN MCDEVITT Obituary
Born and raised in Charlestown, MA, John was a Golden Gloves boxer while attending Don Bosco High School. Upon graduation John enlisted in the US Navy for four years, using the GI Bill to obtain his Masters in Education from Bridgewater State University. Teaching was his passion and he spent his career teaching history and eventually becoming the Director of Guidance in the Swampscott school system.
The North Woods of Maine is where John enjoyed fishing, hunting and all outdoor activities, spending fifty summers at his camp on the lake. He will be sorely missed.
The family will hold a private service. A celebration of his life will be held in the summer of 2019 in Millinocket, ME. Messages and memories may be shared with family, Kileyandfoley.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOHN MCDEVITT
5 Entries
November 9, 2018
Dear Pat & Family,
So sorry to hear about Johnny's passing.
He went through so much and was able to
come back.
Just know that he is at peace and in
heaven now.
Love to you all,
Joan Hutchinson
Henry Lander
November 3, 2018
To the family of Mr. McDevitt, pease accept my condolences.
Dear Mr. McDevitt,
Thank you for your career advice while I was a SHS Class of 1978 student. More importantly, thank you for your encouragement while I was working on the requirements for Eagle Scout.
I was working on my Eagle project, a Rails to Trails bike path for the town of Swampscott. I had laid out a trail with my fellow Troop 54 scouts, Jody and Marc Barden, Howie Stoll, Kapp, Roger and others. It would connect the Rail with main roads and all the schools and neighborhoods. The State of Mass was providing 90% funding back in the 70's.
It was time to make a presentation to the town selectmen, and Mr. McDevitt advised and coached me. He taught me how to make a presentation with an overhead slide projector and my timing. After school he had me make the presentation over and over again. "Slow down, louder, stand straight up, slow down, make that point looking them in the eyes. Remember, you are representing the Boy Scouts and Swampscott High school. " I have used those presentation skills my whole life.
I made my presentation and all of the selectmen said that it was the best and most prepared presentation they had ever had by a person my age. Then they voted NO.
Mr. McDevitt than taught me what NIMBY was, a term I had not yet learned as a 17 year old. I did not understand (and I still don't) how a few people could affect the lives of so many. I though that fitness, pedestrian and bike safety, and the communities desire should be a priority. He told me that some day my generation would be in charge and that Swampscott would have a trail.
Congratulations Swampscott, 40 years later, you made it happen. I know that many of my classmates (especially Whisky) did indeed see the value in the trail.
Thank you again Mr. McDevitt, I truly appreciate your encouragement and I will continue to pay it forward.
Sincerely
Henry Lander
Lianne and Peter Dalton
November 3, 2018
Our deepest condolences to the McDevitt family. Both Peter and I have many great memories of "Mr. McDevitt" from Swampscott High School to snowmobiling with Sean in Millinocket. I'll never forget those short ribs he made for us. May he rest peacefully.
Steven Llorente
November 2, 2018
A memorable part of my education in the Swampscott School system. Will miss you Jack.
Howard Merken
November 1, 2018
I still remember what he taught us in seventh grade guidance class 51 years ago, and I still bring it up to my students even now.
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