Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1939
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
John Devaney Obituary
John Francis, age 77, of Emerson, NJ passed away March 17, 2017. He was born on May 17, 1939 in NYC, New York. He worked for the NYC Department of Sanitation. He is survived by his wife Anne; his six children, Eileen Mueller; Cathleen Harvey; John "Jack" (Eileen); Michael; Elizabeth (Andy) Roberts; Regina (Neil) Ewers; and his eleven grandchildren, Jared; Ryan; Rachel; Tara; Jack; Ella; Cassie; Nolan; Graham; Kieran; and Anna.
John Devaney, known to his family and friends as 'Big Jack', passed away on March 17, 2017, St. Patrick's Day. Jack had expressed the belief that he would make it until his 78th birthday on May 17th, knowing how much it would mean to his family to be able to celebrate his birthday with him, one more time. Unfortunately, that desire remained unfulfilled, but his family found some small comfort in his passing on St. Patrick's Day.
Jack was born in NYC and had a life-long interest in, and a love of, all things Irish. That interest found it's greatest expression in his enduring love, and appreciation for, his wonderful wife Anne. Anne was the absolute light of his life, which he told her often – when he wasn't busy joking with her or teasing her.
Anne will find solace in the certainty of his love for her, the memories they shared and the loving, happy family they created together. Family and friends were Jack's primary focus during his life. He also enjoyed travel and reading. Reading extensively broadened his world almost as much as travelling did. Jack was a tall man with a larger-than-life personality and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Thank you to the staff at Alaris at the Chateau, and the Hackensack University Medical Center, especially the hospice staff at HUMC.
The family appreciates all Jack's friends and colleagues who visited him during his illness, especially his close friend John Ardizone.
The memory of a good person is a blessing. Proverbs 10:7
The family will receive their relatives and friends at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, West-wood, NJ on Monday, March 20 from 2-7PM. The Funeral Mass celebrating John's life and faith will be held at Church of the Assumption, Emerson, NJ on Tuesday, March 21 at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, it would be most meaningful to Jack, to make donations to your local food bank or homeless shelters.
Becker-funeralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Devaney
Sponsored by Becker Funeral Home - Westwood.
Theresa Walsh and Ann Walsh Cermak/Sweeney Families
April 8, 2017
Anne,
You and Jack are two of our favorite people. Our hearts break over the loss of Jack. We love him so. God bless you and your beautiful family during this sad time. A hug and a kiss.
Love,
Theresa Walsh-Cermak and Ann Walsh-Sweeney
Bob Levant
April 7, 2017
I remember the first time i met Mr Devaney i was in the den at the house Mike went upstairs to tell his parents i was over, i could hear him talking but couldn't make out what he was saying when suddenly this booming voice rang out"WHO THE HECK IS BOB LEVANT??" i couldn't help but to laugh. Mike came down we looked at each other and he had this big grin on his face, What a great man and a great family my condolences to you all
April 4, 2017
10Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.
March 29, 2017
My sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one.I hope you and your family can find comfort in God's promise to us at 1Cor.15:26.
Lisa
Kathy Kloot
March 24, 2017
Dear Ann and family
I have so many happy memories receiving emails from Jack for many years since meeting you both with Kathleen when in New York. The last email I received was on 12 March.
Farewell Jack! A gentle man.
Prayers and thoughts to all xx
Kathy Kloot
Corrimal, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
[email protected]
Kathy McAloon
March 23, 2017
Dear Ann and family, So sorry to hear of Jacks passing - I have such fond memories from my days at DSNY 1985 - 1995 celebrating St. Pattys Day with Jack and crew- Jack was one of the good guys and I'll always remember him with the respect he deserves - and if our Irish prayers are true I'm sure the road did rise to meet him and that God held him in the palm of his hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
March 23, 2017
We have many fond memories of Jack when we were still living in New York. Our prayers are with his Family
Celeste and Rich Grunwald
Christine Staskowski
March 22, 2017
A farewell to a gentle giant
Peadar Doherty
March 21, 2017
Fond farwell memories. Rest In Peace big man until we meet again. Thoughts and prayers with my sister Ann and family.
Gina Grannell
March 21, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Uncle Jack will be missed. Love to all ❤ xxx
Theresa Nora Machette
March 21, 2017
Anne & Family,
I just learned of Jack's passing. I am so sorry and very sad. I loved Jackie. He was a true class act. May he rest in peace.
Love,
Theresa Nora
Theresa Nora Machette
March 21, 2017
Anne & Family,
I just learned of Jack's passing. I am so sorry and very sad. I loved Jackie. He was a true class act. May he rest in peace.
Love,
Theresa Nora
Darragh Tighe
March 20, 2017
Oh How I will miss my Uncle Jack. I have never known such a true gent. I have so many fond memories of you and to have known you and have had you in my life is a real honour and previlage. You will live long in my memory. May God bless you and hold you. Thinking of all my cousins and my dear Aunty Anne.
Charles Guinan
March 20, 2017
God Bless You Jack, quite a Gentleman, May He Rest in Peace
Barbara Dunleavy
March 20, 2017
My condolences to the Devaney family. I was also one who trained with Jack at Unilever and have such fond memories of our times there and our fun group dinners and talks. He will truly be missed.
I can imagine the fun Heaven had St. Patrick's Day with Jack leading the parade to and in Heaven.
God Bless,
Peter Kelly
March 20, 2017
I met Jack at a Sanitation IAA meeting (Irish American Assoc) later changed to Sanitation Emerald Soc.around 1970. We instantly bonded and remained friends ever since. Jack's presence and sense of humor will be sorely missed. My condolences to Ann and the family.
March 20, 2017
My heart goes out to your entire family, may God comfort you with his love and tender mercy in this difficult time. (2 Cor 1:2-4)
Jim Manning
March 20, 2017
I have fond memories of Jack ,A yorkville guy, prominent member
NYCDS Emerald society, all around good man . I will miss your e-mails Jack God Love you. Jim Manning
Nelly Ibanez
March 20, 2017
My deepest condolences to Jack's family. He was a true gentleman with a great sense of humor. May he rest in eternal peace. He will be greatly missed by his DSNY family.
T C
March 20, 2017
My deepest sympathies to the Devaney family for the loss of John. May God's Word strengthen you during this difficult time. (Isa. 41:10,13)
March 20, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. 1 Peter 5:19 says to throw all our anxiety on God because he cares for you. May the God of all comfort help you during this tragic time.
March 20, 2017
Offering my condolences to the family. "May mercy and peace and love be increased to you." - Jude 2
Julie Roberts
March 19, 2017
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, dad, and grandpa. May his memory be a blessing. Our thoughts and prayers all with all of you... Love, Julie, Alex, Jackson & Bridget Roberts
Charles Koch
March 19, 2017
Uncle Jack was and will always be a big part of our life. A larger than life person who with my dad could always spin a big fish story. A true Irishman to the end. God bless you.
Tom Mulvihill
March 19, 2017
May the good Lord hold Jack in the palm of His loving hand . You will be deeply missed.
Brian & Lorraine Giblin
March 19, 2017
Sending our deepest sympathy to the family. Your dad, husband was one of the most kindest man you could have ever met. I will always remember his smile and his kind heart. Sending you all our love and prayers.
Florence
March 19, 2017
My sincere condolences to Anne and family. He was a great man.
March 19, 2017
I and my entire family extend our deepest condolences on my dear cousin Jack's death to Anne and to all his family and friends. We all hope that our prayers offer some small comfort at this great loss.
May the Good Lord rest Jack's good soul, and bless him and all his family and friends at this sad time. May the Lord's face shine upon Jack through eternity, Love to all, Jim Dunleavy and family
Robert Little
March 19, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family
John 5:28,28
Lisa Barkenbush
March 18, 2017
My deepest condolences to Jack's family. Keep those greatest memories of him closest to your hearts. I trained with Jack at Unilever and I'll always remember him as a fun, charming gentleman with a great sense of humor. He'll be sadly missed.
March 18, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
Make a Donation
in John Devaney's name
Memorial Events
for John Devaney
Mar
20
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Becker Funeral Home - Westwood219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675
Funeral services provided by:
Becker Funeral Home - Westwood219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Devaney's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
