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David Devlin Obituary
Apr. 22, 1950 - May 30, 2015
David Devlin, 65, a native of Sarasota, passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.
David always remarked that he spent an idyllic childhood growing up on Siesta Key - fishing, crabbing, swimming, boating, the occasional 'high' surf, and all the freedoms that Siesta Key offered in the 50's and 60's. He attended Riverview High School, University of Florida and The University of South Florida where he obtained a graduate degree in Audiology and met his future wife Robin. After college, David moved to the eastern part of Sarasota and enjoyed a more rural lifestyle.
In 1977, David opened his Audiology practice in Venice and worked there until he was forced by illness to retire in early 2014.
David is survived by Robin, his beloved wife of 37 years, daughter Mary Brett, son Patrick, daughter in law Katherine, grandson Wyatt, mother Deloris, sister Kathy and her partner Bambi Lockman. He is preceded in death by his father Robert.
David will be remembered as a kind and fun loving man who enjoyed many and varying pursuits - fishing, boating, hunting, camping, tennis, gardening and wine collecting, to name a few. But most of all he will be remembered as a loving husband to Robin, a wonderful father, son and brother, and a devoted friend to many.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday June 6, 2015 at 1:00 PM at Toale Brothers Funeral Homes, Colonial Chapel. Memorial Donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Devlin
Don Kaltenbach
May 28, 2025
I met David through our LOCC Monday Nite ProTennis workout (?), trash-talking (!) and weekly beer fest (!). He also flew in the helicopter, as Chief Spotter, while we chased wild boar and coyotes (in an undisclosed area south of hwy 70).....until a knock on the door by a Park Ranger. David,....a nice guy! A fun guy! Miss Him !
Rick Erickson
September 30, 2024
I don´t know what made me think of looking up my best friend from my youth yesterday. When I went looking to contact him, I was saddened, no heartbroken, to find Davy´s obituary. I was surprised he had died the same year I had serious medical conditions that forced me to retire. I didn´t think it was possible to mourn a friend that had died nearly a decade ago, but I assure you it´s true. Grieving occurs in what I can only describe as waves of genuine sadness. We were the very best of friends that started in 1st grade at Southside Elementary School when our 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Seibert, received an invitation from Davy´s parents, who ran the Southside Drugstore. We lined up and walked down single file to the store that had a post office and a full service counter that included a soda fountain. It was not far from the school and the class was allowed to order our favor ice creams and Sundays. Our close friendship lasted through 10th grade where we were the only two 10th graders allowed to take an upper-class special program in Marine Biology. Special defines the bond between Davy and me. One day while at the beach Davy let me try out his Dexter surfboard. I had never surfed before, there was a far outside break that took a while to paddle out to. I paddled and caught the first wave of an oncoming set that turned out to be the perfect wave dream are made of as I stood up and rode that wave. I was hooked on surfing from that day forward and couldn´t wait until I had a longboard of my own. Davy and I had many surfing adventures that included an occasional trek to fabled spots on the East Coast, such as the Shark Pit. More often than not though, boards were brought over to my parent´s house on Avenida del Mar near Siesta Key beach as we awaited an approaching storm for surf the following day. My fondest idyllic childhood memories are those I shared with Davy growing up on Siesta Key - fishing, stone crabbing, swimming, boating, and the occasional 'high' surf Siesta Key offered in the 50's and 60's. I miss my friend and am grateful for the years of friendship we shared.
Rick Erickson
JVicki Jackson
June 13, 2015
This poem just spoke to my heart...... I'm on my way from Kentucky ......
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
By Mary Elizabeth Frye
Robin, Patrick, Mary Brett, Kathy and MD, Hugs to you all.
Kevin Furniss
June 9, 2015
I'm sorry to hear to hear of David's passing. My condolences and sympathy to the family. I remembered meeting him for the first time in the late 70's at the Ark Plaza in Venice. He was a kind man and had a great heart. He was my ear. He will be missed. God bless.
Carole Proffitt
June 6, 2015
To all of the Devlin family, my day was greatly saddened to learn of David's passing. You are all in my heart and prayers at this time. I hope you may find some comfort from the following quote, "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us."
Helen Keller
Bill Samuels
June 5, 2015
Sincerest condolences to Robin and family. Dave and I coached together with our boys at Babe Ruth several years ago. What a pleasure to be around, and talk to. His passing will be mourned by very many people. May God Bless his family at this time.
Michaela Woods
June 5, 2015
Sending prayers to you and your family Robin. I am so sorry to hear about Dave. With deepest sympathy,
Christine Bolton
June 4, 2015
Dear Robin
My heart goes out to you at such a difficult time. Dave was such a great guy and will be missed dearly. We are all lucky to have known him. Warm wishes to you and your family.
Leslie Townsend
June 4, 2015
My deepest condolences and sympathy to the family. David was an incredible person and I feel honored to call him a friend. All the memories of our children growing up together, birthday parties, camping trips with the "Palmetto Monster" and Memorial Day weekends at Palm Island to name a few hold a very special place in my heart. He fitted my hearing aids and even though he was already sick, he kept his sense of humor and I will never forget his chuckle. That he will be missed is a huge understatement.
Leslie Furtick Townsend
Kelly Snell
June 4, 2015
Robin, I am so, so sorry to hear of David's passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers during this very difficult time.
June 4, 2015
My heart goes out to you, Robin. My deepest
Sympathy to you and your family.
Sincerely, Kim's Mom Janet Alario
Rohn Timm
June 4, 2015
Dave was always in the mix of things in our wonderful days of youth. We were all active in the many benefits that Siesta Key offered. He was a friend to many. He planned his life and lived it as he wanted. Many hear better today--thanks to Dave.
Lesley Ericsson
June 3, 2015
I was so saddened to learn of David's passing. As someone who came to know him as a colleague, I have nothing but praise and respect for him. When I moved to Sarasota many years ago, David and Robin were some of the first people I met. I appreciated the warm welcome they gave me. Over the years it was a delight to see their growing family as well as catch up on news from within our professional community. His presence will be missed by all who knew him - his patients, his colleagues, friends, family and the entire Sarasota community. My deepest sympathy to Robin, Delores and his entire family at this difficult time.
Jacques de kervor
June 3, 2015
Having those good times on Siesta Key with Dave It's hard say to say farewell, the memory will always be with me.
Regards to family & friends,
Jacques de Kervor,Warkworth,New Zealand , class of 1968, Sarasota high
Noel Crosby
June 3, 2015
So sorry to hear about David. I always enjoyed seeing him at conventions and around town. Being a colleague of his, I had known of and worked in the same area as David for many years and later moved out to Oakford so was somewhat a neighbor too! Mutual patient's who knew David too had only wonderful comments about him all through out the years. I was so sad to hear that he was sick. I send loving thoughts to the Devlin family. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. I am sorry that I will not be able to attend the service to pay my respects to the family. Please know you will be in my thoughts.
June 3, 2015
Sadness is expressed on the passing of such a wonderful person. David was the first audiologist I met in Florida in 2004 and it was totally pleasurable to have been under his guidance in Port Charlotte. My condolences to all his family, professional associates, patients, and friends.
Elise Dimon, AuD, FAAA
Retired Audiologist
Venice, FL
June 3, 2015
David was a kind and sweet man. Robin, Patrick, Mary Brett, Kathy and Deloris, his memories and spirit will remain alive because he touched each of you. Truly saddened, too young, too soon.
Hugs, Selma
Don and Nancy Kaltenbach
June 3, 2015
Our memories of Dave are full of fun times-he was a terrific guy. He liked his tennis and showed no mercy when playing with the "Trash Talkers". Whatever someone needed, Dave was there for them. We know it is a sad time for his sweet family-he will be sorely missed.
Rob & Donna Martin
June 3, 2015
With broken hearts we are on our way to Sarasota to honor David and comfort Robin and the children on Saturday afternoon. He was such a good friend to both of us and also to our children.
Kathie Hart
June 3, 2015
Robin,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
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