William Joseph Devalt Jr.

William Joseph Devalt Jr.
William Joseph Devalt Jr., age 86, of Stratford, CT, passed through the gates of heaven on August 12, 2025, with his family by his side to comfort him.
Born in Bridgeport, CT, on November 5, 1938, to the late William J. Devalt Sr. and Agnes (Pruzinsky) Devalt, he was proud of his Slovak heritage. Bill grew into a man of integrity who dedicated his life to his family. He was a problem-solver and the go-to man for anyone who needed something built or fixed. Over the years, he mended porcelain dolls and cat statues, built a dollhouse, assisted with Boy Scout Derby race cars, built a barn for his John Deere equipment, crafted a Halloween candy chute during COVID, and helped with many school projects, including his famous Conestoga wagon model. A rare treat was hearing him belt out tunes on his accordion. He and his son, Danny, also rebuilt an old Farmall Cub tractor together.
Above all, Bill was a loving, loyal, and protective husband, father, grandfather, and "Papa." He was a cherished and exceptional role model.
Twelve years ago, Bill battled cancer, and though much was taken from him, he remained strong in will. To paraphrase Tennyson's "Ulysses": "Though he was not that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven, that which he was, he was; one equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in the will to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."
His family is here to carry on his rich legacy, including his beloved wife, Diane (Banks Gorton) Devalt; his children, Adam Devalt (Beth), Amanda (Gorton) Malota (Carl), and Daniel Gorton (Amanda Catherine). He is also survived by his loving sisters, Joan Mackie and Barbara Csizmar (Charles/Chuck). The loves of his life were his grandchildren: Gwendolyn, Moriah, Danielle (Bailey), Brennan, Ean, Sophia, and Owen. His great-grandchildren, Claire and Ashton, provided him with many hours of joy. The smile exchanges between Ashton and Bill were a cherished ritual.
Bill leaves behind many nieces and nephews: Tommy, Fletcher, Billy, Archer, John (Sandy), Joanie (Tom), Christine (Alec), Katie, and Isabelle. Also left to remember him are his sister-in-law, Linda (Jeff), and son-in-law, Sean (Robin).
Bill was predeceased by his first wife, Audrey Parker Devalt; his daughters, Bethany Claire Devalt and Robin Devalt (Pickard); his nephew, Michael Mackie; and his best friend, firefighter Stanley Milas.
During the administration of Bill's Last Rites, the priest recited the Our Father, including the words, "...and forgive us our sins..." His son, Danny, later commented, "Well, Dad never really sinned." Daughter, Amanda, concurred.
A graduate of Bullard-Havens Technical High School, Bill was a proud member of the Connecticut National Guard, where he served as a military dog handler. He was an altar server at Holy Name Church. He was a parishioner at St. Mark Roman Catholic Church in Stratford, where he served as an usher. Bill was a proud firefighter for the Town of Stratford from July 1, 1968, until his retirement on April 3, 1998. The Stratford firefighters continue to support Bill's family. He also worked for the former Parker's Dairy in Trumbull and the HC Lovell Hardware company in Stratford. He was known for converting many people into John Deere enthusiasts.
Bill is dearly missed and cherished by his family and friends, but his spirit and soul abide.
Friends may greet Bill's family on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home, 399 White Plains Rd., Trumbull, CT.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Mark Roman Catholic Church, 505 Wigwam Rd., Stratford, CT. Inurnment will follow at St. John's Cemetery, 2610 Nichols Avenue, Stratford, CT.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Stratford, CT Firefighters Benevolent Association, 2750 Main St., Stratford, CT 06615 (203 385 4070).
For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit
www.mullinsfh.com.