Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend;

Pelham

William J. "Bill" McDevitt III, 78, died at home on Friday February 5, 2021 after a brief illness.

His high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Joyce E. (Angley) McDevitt, was unfailingly by his side during his final weeks.

Born in Philadelphia, PA on October 18, 1942, the son of the late William J. and the late Margaret (Collins) McDevitt, he subsequently lived in Pittsburgh, PA, Oak Park, IL, Hinsdale, IL, Harrisburg, PA and Nashua, NH before moving to Pelham, NH in 1971.

Bill graduated from St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA in 1964 and Southern New Hampshire University in 1981 where he obtained a Master's Degree in Business Administration.

Having moved so much when he was young, he enthusiastically embraced small-town life and eagerly put down roots. From planting trees in Muldoon Park, to leading Boy Scout Troop 610, to dancing the Virginia Reel at the Pelham Colonial Ball, to being an auctioneer at Old Home Day, Bill immersed himself in all that was Pelham. He loved to read and he loved to read aloud, especially Dr. Seuss stories to the elementary school children and more recently, two short stories about Christmas trees – lovely little treasures he'd written.

Bill served the Town of Pelham in several volunteer and elected capacities, including serving on the Board of Selectman for 24 years and as its Chairman for many years. He was most proud of the creation of the Pelham Municipal Center and Village Green, in which he played a major role. While many townspeople first got to know Bill as a politician, a younger generation knew him as 'The Train Conductor' at the annual holiday Festival of Trees.

Enjoying life in rural New Hampshire, however, meant a daily commute into downtown Boston. Bill was employed by John Hancock Life Insurance in Boston for 36 years, retiring as Director of Administrative Services. Nearly every day at lunch he walked through the Boston Public Gardens with colleagues, noting trees and flowers that thrived close to the sea but struggled just an hour north. He loved introducing his children to the best of the city, including the opening of the Freedom Trail in 1976, games at Fenway Park, concerts at Symphony Hall and adventures to various libraries and museums.

After retirement Bill served as Interim Director of Canterbury Shaker Village. This role involved two of Bill's many passions, history and conservation. He was forever grateful for the experience and for the many new friends dedicated to preserving the Shaker legacy.

Bill attended the First Congregational Church of Pelham where he found fellowship, friendship and a deeper spiritual understanding.

He is survived by his beloved wife Joyce; son Patrick and wife Kristine of Hanover, NH; son Christopher and wife Alisha of Concord, NH; daughter Theresa McDevitt of Derry, NH; daughter Jennifer Pendergast and husband William of Pelham, NH; daughter Rebecca Buxton and husband Dwayne of Siloam Springs, AR; daughter Stefenie Cote and husband Kenneth also of Pelham; daughter-in-law Catherine McDevitt of Nashua, NH; and seventeen grandchildren and one great grandson; four siblings, Robert McDevitt and his wife Judy of Raleigh, NC; Timothy McDevitt and his wife Sonna of Bellefonte, PA; Terrence McDevitt and his wife Melody of Indianapolis, IN; and M. Susan Weltmer and her husband Donald of Harrisburg, PA; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his son Gregory J. McDevitt who died in 2008 and his brother J. Donald McDevitt who died in 2001.

McDevitt

Due to the current public health crisis and gathering restrictions, a Private Service is planned for the family. A Celebration of Bill's Life will take place at a later date when it is safe for family and friends to gather. E-condolences at www.pelhamfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers the family gratefully requests donations to the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation (https://cjdfoundation.org/donate). Arrangements by the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME – PELHAM, NH – (603) 635-3333.

View the online memorial for William J. "Bill" McDevitt, III

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Published by Lowell Sun on Feb. 21, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for William McDevitt

Sponsored by lowellsun.com.

7 Entries

Paul Dadak

February 8, 2024

I miss Bill and I could say so much more about how I admired and respected him. I do miss him.

Charlie Mooskian

November 30, 2021

My apologies for the late post as I just learned of his passing after attending festival of trees. I was saddened to hear of his passing and thought back to some projects we worked on together. We spent a few days putting up the fence around the original town hall foundation located at the entrance to municipal center, as well as working on Sherburne Hall renovation, several committees etc.. Bill always listened and responded in a calming soft tone. I think we rode the opposite side of a few issues but you would never know it. We yapped a lot putting the fence up and learned more of each other and if I recall I came correctly Bill was a father of 7 and I come from a family of 7. He was proud of all his children and I recall him recommending Jen as my daughters kindergarten teacher, to which I will always be grateful as she made my daughters early education some of the fondest memories she has of school. Bill will be missed as he walked softly and carried a big stick of responsibility for our town.

Harriet (Vlahos) St. Onge

February 21, 2021

Dear Joyce, children, extended family. I was heartbroken to hear about Bill's passing. He was always so helpful when I had a question about town issues and just talking in general about the forest and his trains. I will miss him at Christmas when he sets up his train set. I feel as though I've known him forever. I'm so happy that I had the pleasure of sitting with you and Bill at one of the Senior Christmas parties at Harris Inn. I will never forget the kindness Joyce showed me when my beautiful Chip went to heaven and now my wonderful dear son Clint son is with his father. Heaven has another angel in heaven named Bill. My heartfelt sympathy for Joyce and all his family. He will be missed in Pelham. It's been a sad year for so many. And thank you Joyce, from the bottom of my heart for your kindness & caring when I needed you the most. Your husband was a very, dear, gentle man. May his memory be eternal.

SARA AND EDWARD PROCTOR

February 16, 2021

To the Family,
Sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Shugie and Sara Proctor
Shugie was class of 1960 McDevitt

Kevin Scribner

February 16, 2021

My sincere condolences to the entire McDevitt family. I had the pleasure of commuting to Boston with Bill for a number of years back in the seventies before transferring to Pennsylvania in1981. Bill was a wonderful person and will clearly be greatly missed by many. RIP, me friend.

Paul Dadak

February 15, 2021

It was an honor to know and work with Bill on various town boards. He will leave a long and lasting legacy. May he Rest In Peace. Deepest sympathies to Joyce and family .

John & Kim Huppe

February 14, 2021

Kim and I extend our deepest condolences to Joyce and the entire family. We shared many kind exchanges and friendship over the many years spent in Pelham, at church and community events, and their yearly visits to Wells Beach. I can’t think of a kinder gentleman than Bill. We always enjoyed our encounters with Bill and Joyce. His passing leaves the Earth with one less kind person at a time when we need as many kind people as we can find. God Bless Bill and may his family feel God’s comforting Grace.

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