Donald Thomas Devine

Donald Thomas Devine of Southfield, Michigan, peacefully left this earth to join our Father in Heaven on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 in Sylvania, Ohio. Don was a resident at Oakleaf Village where he and his family celebrated several birthdays together.

Don was born to Genevieve and William Devine on June 25, 1932, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. His parents, originally from St. Thomas, Ontario, were in the process of becoming U.S. citizens at the time. Although they lived in Detroit, Don and his family would often vacation in St. Thomas to be with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Don attended Gesu Elementary School in Detroit until grade six, when his family moved to Berkley. There, he attended the Shrine of the Little Flower Grade School. It was here that Don's deep faith and thoughtful spirit blossomed into a life devoted to prayer and compassion.

At age 14, with the support of his parents he left his family home to enter the minor seminary of Sacred Heart in Detroit. There he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Theology, while spending summers at Camp Sancta Maria in Gaylord. The camp was very close to Don's heart – it was where his love of golf and skiing grew, alongside his work as a counselor and chaplain. Don went on to attend St. John's Provisional Seminary in Plymouth, where he received his Master of Divinity on June 7, 1958, and was ordained in the Roman Catholic Church. Father Devine celebrated his First Mass at the very parish where he had gone to school as a boy, Shrine of the Little Flower. Even as a Priest, Don continued his formal education attending Boston College and Paris-Sorbonne University to obtain a second master's degree in Classical Languages in 1962.

Serving the Church with humility and grace for many years, Father Devine's assignments were in Detroit: as an assistant at St. Philip Neri Parish, then at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, followed by assistant pastoral service at St. Veronica, St. Philomena and St. Francis Cabrini parishes.

In August of 1971, Father Devine began 18-years of service as a pastor at St. Monica in Detroit, a lovely neighborhood parish. There, he leaned into his natural ability to connect with others. Events and social clubs were central to St. Monica's, and he had a way of encouraging people to work together to achieve both small and great acts, fondly calling it "people power!" Here Father Don was known for his warmth, intellect, and quiet strength. His ministry touched countless lives offering guidance, hope and kindness in times of financial, physical, and spiritual need. Father Don remained at St. Monica's until its sale by the Archdiocese of Detroit – one of 30 churches closed and consolidated. At this same time, he retired in July of 1989.

Later that year, Don began a new and very different chapter in his life when he married Bernice Jacinta (McCabe) Devine and together, they shared 28 years of marriage and continued ministry service. Together they made their home in Southfield, Michigan. They loved company, and their open hearts and generous hospitality created a home and yard overflowing with music, laughter, love of the Lord – and even a homemade driving range, which his many young great nieces and nephews particularly liked. Don always had a mischievous twinkle in his eye, a big smile and laugh to match, and a particular fondness for the Detroit Tigers and Lions.

To the end, he continued his lifelong spiritual care of others in his daily life through friendship, listening, worship, and prayer. Donald Devine will be remembered for his steady compassion, thoughtful counsel, and unwavering faith in God. His calm presence and quiet wisdom left an indelible mark on everyone who knew and loved him. Many former parishioners and life-long friends have shared how they cherish Don's memory, his spiritual guidance, and personal touch in their own religious life.

Don will be dearly missed and is survived by his sister, Mary Lou Devine Zaums, sister-in-law Bernadette "Cookie" Devine, and many nieces, grand nieces, nephews, grand nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Bernice "Bunny" Devine, his parents, Genevieve and William Devine, his sister, Shirley Hands, his brother, Bill Devine, and brothers-in-law Richard Hands and Peter Zaums.

Mass of Catholic burial will be November 17, 10:30 a.m. for the repose of the soul of Donald Devine at Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church, 17116 Olympia, Redford, Michigan. Visitation will begin at 9:15 a.m. in the church. Burial will follow immediately at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield, Michigan.

Memorials in honor of Don's life may be made to Our Lady of Loretto Church, 17116 Olympia, Redford, Michigan.

"You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
Hebrews 5:1-11