Joseph Robert Devane

Joseph Robert Devane died Monday evening, February 14th, 2011 at the Maristhill Nursing Home after a lengthy illness. He was 85. The son of the late Joseph and Mary J. (Surette) Devane, he was born, raised and educated in Waltham where he had been a lifelong resident. He was a graduate of Saint Charles High School. Mr. Devane had been employed as a bus driver for almost 30 years with the Middlesex-Boston Street Railway having driven routes throughout Waltham and Newton, he then went on to work in an administrative role for the MBTA for over 20 years.He was a member of the Carmen's Union. He had also worked in the Bowling Lanes at the former Wal-Lex Recreation Center in Waltham. A veteran of WW II he served with the Navy as a seaman first class aboard the carrier, USS Wasp and the escort carrier, USS Santee. He received the WW II Victory Medal, an American Theatre Medal, an Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal with 5 stars and the Philippine Liberation Medal with two stars. Mr. Devan was a member of the Sullivan VFW Post No. 10334 in Waltham. He was a member of the Newton Council of the Knights of Columbus. An avid sports fan, he was a ball boy for the former Boston Braves. Mr. Devane is survived by his wife, Claire (Landry) Devane, his son, Joseph Robert Devane and his wife Nancy of Waltham, his daughters, Carol Ravesi and her husband, Steven and Joanne Mahoney and her husband, Denis both of Waltham, Laurie Albanese and her husband, Michael and Patricia Cerqua and her husband, David both of Maynard and Margaret Aquaro and her husband, James of Shirley, his sisters, Barbara Carnes of Hingham and Dorothy Struble of Plymouth and his brother, Leonard Devane of Waltham. He is also survived by his 14 cherished grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews He was predeceased by his spouses, Gertrude (Shutt) Devane and Helen (Arata) Devane, his sisters, Margaret Gadbois and Geraldine Devan and his brother, Richard Devane A Mass of Christian burial was held at Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 920 Trapelo Road, Waltham in Celebration of Joe's Life followed by interment with Military Honors at the Calvary Cemetery in Waltham. Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at www.jarf.org or Acces Sport America at www.accessportamerica.org The Brasco and Sons Memorial of Waltham is assisting the Devane Family with arrangements. For additional information please visit www.brascofuneralhome.com. Parking attendants on duty.