Raymond A. DeVita

Raymond "Ray" Anthony DeVita, of Naples, FL, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, at the age of 89, with Sharon-his best friend and beloved wife of 40 years-and all his daughters by his side. Born on July 3, 1936, Ray was the cherished son of the late Patrick and Frances DeVita. He lived a life of extraordinary accomplishment and joy, defined not by possessions or titles, but by family, friendships, and an unwavering passion for living.

Ray was a proud graduate of Tufts University, earning both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering with a perfect 4.0 GPA. His sharp intellect and engineering mind shaped a remarkable professional journey-one that included holding 12 U.S. patents, a testament to his creativity and technical brilliance.

Ray began his career at United Shoe Machinery Company in 1958, rising through technical and managerial roles before being appointed Director of Research & Development in 1972, where he led a team of over 200 professionals. After Emhart Corporation acquired United Shoe Machinery in 1976, Ray held global leadership positions, including President of World Glass Machinery and President of Worldwide Fastening and Adhesive Systems. He was later named a corporate officer and Executive Vice President, managing divisions with more than 10,000 employees across 13 countries.

In 1989, Ray helped resist a hostile takeover of Emhart by a New York investment group that included oil heir Gordon P. Getty, orchestrating a successful merger with Black & Decker. Following the acquisition, Ray became Executive Vice President, leading Black & Decker's Commercial & Industrial Group during a pivotal era of growth and transformation. Later, as President of True Temper, a division of Black & Decker, from 1994 to 1996, Ray continued to demonstrate his strategic vision and operational excellence, positioning the company as a global leader in golf shaft innovation and manufacturing. After retiring in 1996, Ray remained active in industry, serving on the Boards of Directors for both True Temper and Black & Decker Health Care Management Corp.

Throughout his career, Ray left every organization stronger than when he arrived. His legacy endures as one of visionary leadership, generous mentorship, and unwavering integrity.

Despite his professional success, Ray never let work define him. When it was time to retire, he did so without looking back-because for Ray, life was about family, friends, and experiences.

Ray worked hard, but he played harder. He loved Naples, Cape Cod, his orchids, and his roses. He enjoyed wine, spy thrillers, patiently assembling 1000+ piece puzzles, and his beloved Red Sox-taping every game but only watching the ones he knew they won. He hated the cold, loved warm days, and approached life with humor and humility.

Ray also loved to golf. Remarkably, he took up golf later in life-perhaps because he was leading the largest golf shaft manufacturer in the world, or maybe because Sharon didn't want him driving her crazy in retirement. Yet despite the late start, he achieved feats most golfers only dream of: 5 holes-in-one, a double eagle, and a mind-blowing 74 just days before his passing.

Ray believed in earning everything, in resilience, and in learning from failure. He could fix anything, build anything, and never stopped thinking. But what mattered most to Ray was family. He was deeply proud of his children and grandchildren, celebrating every achievement and milestone with joy. Education was a cornerstone of his values, and he instilled in those he loved the importance of curiosity, hard work, and integrity.

Ray leaves behind his devoted wife, Sharon; his daughters Debbie, Jill, and Jayne; his daughter-in-law Faith; his sister Joanne; and his cherished grandchildren Samantha, Raymond, Mari, Sarah, and Gus. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved him dearly. Ray was preceded in death by his beloved son Raymond and his brother Phil.

Ray DeVita was a great man who lived with purpose, kindness, and joy. He will never be forgotten. He lives on in the lives he touched, in the stories we'll keep telling, and in the love that binds us all together.

Rest in peace, Ray. You played hard, you lived well, and you leave behind a legacy that will endure forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Ray in a way that feels meaningful-whether through a charitable gift, a kind gesture, or simply sharing a memory. Plans for a service and celebration of Ray's life are forthcoming and will be announced at a later date.