Daniel R. DeVITO

Daniel Ralph DeVito age 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday April 6, 2024. Daniel was born in Cleveland, OH to Daniel and Justine DeVito. He grew-up in the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Italian neighborhood (West 69th street) along with his brothers Albert "Wicky", Raymond and David, as well as sister Patsy Check. He was proceeded in death by both Albert and Raymond.
Dan married his high school sweetheart Anne McKenna and together they raised eight children, Annette DeVito-Dabbs(daughter Kirstie), Maribeth Barabas(son Albert), Teresa(deceased), Daniel the III(wife Beth and sons Daniel IV and Tommy), Denis(wife Bonnie and sons Dillon and Will), Tommy(daughter Madilyn and son Anthony), Gene(daughter Georgie) and John; and Dan is now a great-grandfather to three. The DeVito clan grew-up on the beloved Lakewood street of Manor Park. With the spacious lawns and large families of 6 and 7 kids, Manor Park was the ideal place to rear the family.
Daniel was a star athlete in both basketball and especially baseball while attending West High School. As a junior pitcher he led West High over East Tech to the win the city championship. He not only pitched 6 shutout innings, striking out 11 batters, but also stole home leading the Cowboys to an 8-1 victory.
After completing a stellar high school and Class D career, Dan was invited to the Cleveland Indians minor league camp. He reported to Louisville only to succumb to a professional baseball career ending arm injury. His love of the game continued for many years as he excelled on many softball diamonds. Dan was one of the founders of the St. Luke Holy Name softball teams and led them to many recreation championships. His lifelong love of baseball also led to him coaching many little-league teams. He especially excelled coaching his son Daniel III and nurtured many a young Lakewood athlete. Dan also enjoyed golf and bowling and he excelled at both.
Daniel provided for his family by working at Universal Drafting in Bedford, OH, starting in the stock room and working his way up to Purchasing Agent. He eventually left the drafting business and went from a part-time realtor to one of the owners of Cleary Realty. After locating to Sarasota, FL he ran the commercial property division for Michael Sanders for close to 20 years.
Family and friends will gather for Visitation on Friday April 12 at the McGorray-Hanna Funeral Home of Lakewood, 14133 Detroit Ave, from 4 to 7pm, with a short prayer send-off immediately following at 7:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Daniel's memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, nationalmssociety.org.