Joseph Patrick Devlin

Joseph Patrick Devlin
After a lengthy illness, Joseph "Joe" Patrick Devlin, a longtime educator in Santa Rosa City Schools, passed away March 30, 2025 at his home in Santa Rosa at the age of eighty. He was born November 6, 1944 in Weehawken, New Jersey. As the son of an Irish father, he had "an abiding sense of tragedy," but as the son of an Italian mother, he learned "the infinite passion of life." These two principles guided his life, his relationships and his journey along the way.
Joe was a complex, interesting man, known for his endless wit, compassionate humanity and keen intelligence. The patriarch of his family, he delighted in all things cinema, an excellent book, animals of every kind, classic television comedies, world cuisines and ice cold martinis; he especially treasured time spent with devoted loved ones, revered friends, valued colleagues, and doting students. An inspirational, influential teacher for forty years, Mr. Devlin shared his avidity for literature and movies in each of the English and Film Study classes he taught; he positively impacted those fortunate to be in his classroom. He was an ardent champion of the underdog and the outcast, whether rooting for a disenfranchised community, for those who were seen as eccentric outliers or for a perennial unsuccessful sports team.
Joe cast himself in the greatest love story when he married Pamela Lind Peschken Devlin thirty-eight years ago; they found one another after having been single parents for years prior, blending their two families to create a warm home. He was the Yin to her Yang; they enjoyed a rich and robust relationship: sharing travel adventures; a dedication to teaching and learning; watching myriad quality motion pictures; listening to lectures by authors, filmmakers, or political figures; and enjoying a delicious meal in either low or fine dining restaurants. But their finest joy was evenings spent around their own dinner table with family and/or friends, either celebrating holidays and special occasions, or simply reveling in the pleasure of being together.
In addition to his wife Pam, Joe's extended family includes his daughter Rachel Devlin-Tubbs and husband Jeff Tubbs, sons Mica Peschken and Joe Devlin plus his faithful dog Lola. In addition, he was cherished by nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren as well as many dear relatives in each of their families.
The family is forever grateful to those who came from near and far to visit Joe throughout his final year and to those Hospice and home caregivers, who tended to him during this time.
A private gathering to commemorate him will be held next month. If you would like to make a donation in Joe's memory, please consider giving to one of these three organizations: The American Film Institute, Smile Train or The Nature Conservancy.
To our beloved Joe: "May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."