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Joseph Emmett Devine Sr.

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West Seattle High School Seattle University

Joseph Devine Obituary

Joseph Emmett DEVINE, Sr. Beloved husband, father, educator, grammarian, author and longtime Seattle resident, died on January 10, 2007 at the age of 79, after a brief illness. Joe Devine was born to Aloysius and Rita Devine on the Ides of March in 1927, and raised in Sequim, WA. He attended Sequim High, achieving the esteemed sports honor of "All City Sequim." Joe attended Seattle University, earning a degree in English as well as a teaching certificate. In Seattle he met the love of his life, Josephine Curran. Joe and Josephine married in 1955 and raised six children in the St. Joseph's parish of Capitol Hill. Joe spent most of his professional career at West Seattle High School, teaching English and Language Arts for over 30 years, and coaching swimming and basketball. He was a popular teacher, inspiring a generation of students to pursue higher education and instilling in them an appreciation for the English language and literature. Joe wrote a grammar book entitled Commas Are Our Friends, which combined his sharp wit with his desire to educate. This book is currently used in colleges, high schools and English programs across the United States. Joe's favorite pastime was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He deeply valued longtime friendships, with several friends of over 50 years. He also enjoyed making new friends, and connected with people of all ages and backgrounds. An outgoing man, Joe loved socializing, and perhaps the only thing he hated in life was missing a good party. He also loved sports, and rarely missed the ball games and track and cross-country meets of his children. An avid and skilled crab trapper, Joe enjoyed crabbing and otherwise spending time at his property on Hood Canal. He was also an excellent tennis player, known for his formidable serve. As for Joe's literary side, he had a lifelong fascination with the English language. He was a gifted writer and loved poetry, which he could recite extensively. He was about as passionate about grammar and punctuation as is humanly possible. Joe will be dearly missed by all of those whose life he touched. He will be fondly remembered for his devotion to his wife and family, his youthful spirit, integrity, kindheartedness, inclusiveness, class and charm, as well as his ready smile, great wit and wonderful sense of humor. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Helen Claflin. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Josephine, stepmother, Pearl, sisters, Sabina McDonald, Kathy Gresli and Norma Erickson, children, Rita (Winslow Hayes), Joe, Jr. (Elizabeth), Edward (Pamela), Paul (Judy), Megann (Michael Friel) and Patrick, as well as seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, January 19, 2007, at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Laurelhurst (4900 N.E. 50th, Seattle, WA 98105). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Association for Catholic Childhood (100 23rd Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98144) or St. Francis House (169 12th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122). Somewhere up there, Joe Devine is smiling upon us with a twinkle in his eye, ready to remind all that commas really are our friends.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Jan. 14 to Jan. 17, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Devine

43 Entries

Wendi (Metcalf) McGrath

January 31, 2007

I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Devine’s passing.

I was a student of Mr. Devine at WSHS (c/o ‘84). He was one of my favorite teachers. His reading of The Cask of Amontillado was most memorable. The last time I saw Mr. Devine was at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Seattle. I was wearing a plaid skirt and with that twinkle in his eye, Mr. Devine asked me what clan I represented!

It is apparent that Mr. Devine touched many lives with his wit, humor, teachings and smile.

Josh Kahan

January 30, 2007

Dear Megann. Thank you so much for inviting me to your Dad's memorial service. The expressions of condolences made quite an impression on me, especially those related to his love of people. Your Dad really found great beauty and joy in his family, friends, students, and neighbors and spent his life honoring, enjoying, and loving them. I can't think of a finer attribute in someone than to be a great lover of people. Although I did not know him well, I feel his life offers an opportunity for me to see him as a role model. He decicated his life to making the world a more beautiful place, and he succeeded most admirably.

Marianne Mack

January 25, 2007

Dear Jo, How very sorry I am to hear that you have lost your dear Joe. Though I didn't know him he sounds like a wonderful person, husband, father, teacher and companion.Your family is no doubt sharing their memories and stories to keep him close. My condolences to you all.
Fondly, Marianne D'Amico Mack

Dorothy McBarron

January 25, 2007

Dear Jo, I was so very sorry to hear of the death of your Joe. I never knew him but have since read all the entries in this book so I feel as though I did know him. What a dear man he must have been and how thrilling for you and your family to know how memorable he was to so many as teacher and friend. Those thoughts must do more than console! I can only imagine how you and yours will miss him. J.J. gave you my condolences and wrote to tell me what a grand funeral Joe had. God bless you and all your family.

Fondly,

Dorothy (Schaaf)McBarron

Cathy Westwood-McLynne

January 23, 2007

I would like thank the family of Mr Devine for allowing us all to share our memories and accolades for a very special man. My condolences to the family.I had Mr. Devine for Language Arts and Mythology at WSHS during the late 60's. He was that one special teacher that I will cherish my whole life. He had a passion for the English language and passed that on to his students. To this day, I have my thesaurus,my dictionary and "elements of style" within reach at all times. I also have vivid memories of my mythology class and dressing up like the Greek goddess of the underworld for my final exam. I was fortunate enough to be Mr Devine's T.A. my senior year. His creative teaching style opened our eyes to the world beyond high school.. Thank you.
Class of 1970

Paul Devine

January 21, 2007

A good friend said to me recently, “When a person dies, they become closer to us than ever. They are now free to become more beautiful in our minds as we wash away anything but the best memories.” I found it to be an insight into my father’s life. He lived his life seeing the good in the living……he focused on the best of what people had to offer and stripped away the rest. When I thought about it, it occurred to me that even in death he was still teaching me a lesson.

Thank you all so much for sharing your thoughts on Joe Devine.

Ann Murphy

January 21, 2007

To the Devine Family

Mr. "D" was an exceptional teacher, friend, and confidant. I have many memories of him reading to us in class one of the famous poets (Edgar Alan Poe). Needless to say the way he read would always keep your attention and make you think about what the writer was saying. I have many found memories of Mr. D and was saddened to hear of his passing.

Due to his teachings I was able to achieve two masters degrees and thinking of obtaining a doctorate (not in English):) He was a special man and will be missed by many from the WSHS classes.

I hope thru the notes that the family finds comfort in knowing how many lives he touched by doing what he loved the most.

Rest in Peace Mr. D I will miss you.

Ann Murphy (class of 1985)

Jim Kallerson Kallerson

January 21, 2007

To the Devine Family,
Our fond memories of Mr. Devine and The Devine Family will stay with us forever. So much respect, and so well earned. My thoughts and prayers with you all from the Kallerson family, Capitol Hill.

Sarah Bradlee

January 20, 2007

Dear Devine Family,
I would like to extend my sincere condolences. Growing up with Eddie I always could count on Mr. Devine making me laugh so hard my belly would hurt. He was easy to talk to and always had a kind word.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing and know that he is in heaven telling jokes to all the saints.
All my Love
Sarah (Derrig) Bradlee

Erika Hanger

January 19, 2007

Recently my husband brought down an old box from the attic. Much to the delight of our three little girls it contained some of my writing assignments from Mr. Devine's 10th grade english class (circa 1980-81). The girls were facinated to see samples of Mommy's school work complete with letter grades (of course I saved only the ones which recieved A's and B's). Sharing the papers with my preschooler, 2nd grader, and 4th grader was a great trip down memory lane for me and a great laugh for them. We talked all about writing and the nice man who taught me to be a writer. Mr. Devine was such a funny guy and a wonderful teacher. He had the rare combination of qualities so many educators lack: a quick wit and the ability to relate so well to kids. His keen sense of humor always kept me guessing. I never knew what he was going to say next, whether I saw him in class or in the hallway at school. I ran into him at a restaurant several years back and he told me he'd been published. He was positivley beaming; he was so proud! I am proud too. Proud to have been his student and proud to have known him.
~Erika Schulz
West Seattle H.S.
Class of 1982

Gloriana Morine (Harry)

January 19, 2007

To the Devine Family,
I was sad to hear the news about Mr. Devine's passing. It is so nice to read the many "West Seattleites" comments - it brings back great memories. I had the opportunity to play basketball for Mr. Devine & Vitalich! Also, remembering fondly - mythology class! I always think of Mr. Devine and greek mythology... What a great man who left such a positive impact on so many young people at WSHS ! May your fond memories ease your pain. Take care, Gloriana

Karen Eckhart

January 19, 2007

Dear Devine family,
Joe was a fun, witty, silly, smart, wonderful man. Joe was unique. Joe was a gentleman. We shall miss him terribly.
Love,
Karen and Steve Eckhart

Roger Freeman

January 19, 2007

Few in this world have the ability to touch lives like the “Devine One”. That is what he like to call himself, an unassuming gentle man, he had the heart of a lion and the confidence of Kings. Mr. Devine, like so many others was my Language Arts Teacher at West Seattle High. I was blessed and honored to be his student, friend and Teachers Assistant (TA) for a brief time in 1984. My first day as his TA he told me to look in his desk drawer; in it were 2 nitro pills. He told me “if you ever see me on the floor shove on of these under my tongue and call 911, I have too much to live for”. For just a moment I was afforded the opportunity to see the frail vulnerable side of Mr. Devine. With his occasional wink and mischievous smile you always new he was on your side. You were not a student; you were a friend, the greatest gift any teacher could offer. Some teachers teach, Mr. Devine went far beyond such basic expectations. His teaching molded and created individuals that understood and shared his passion for life and friends. I will always remember that gentle man with the cardigan sweater walking with his head high and always with purpose. To use a basketball analigy I think Mr. Devine would have liked, “In this life the Devine One got his triple double”. There is a time to every purpose under Heaven, for Mr. Devine that was to make a difference in each life he touched but if only for a brief moment in time. Mr. Devine, in his own gentle way, allowed you that brief moment to pause and embrace the wonderment of this life. Similar to the comma he loved so very much.

Rest well my friend, God speed.

Roger Freeman

M.J. O'Brien

January 19, 2007

Dear Devine Family,
Growing up on "The Hill", and because of Mr. Devine's friendship with my father, I've known Mr. and Mrs. Devine my whole life. For as long as I can remember they would stop by my family's house every Christmas. For the last 10, maybe 12, or so years, Mr. Devine would always join my brother and I in watching whatever game was on, ask what we were drinking, open a beer, and precede to tell stories of his 20's, in the 40's/50's, with my dad. Mr. Devine was a cool guy for me to talk with, not only because he was smart and funny, or a big sports fan, or because of the 48 year age difference, which helps with world perpective, but probably because he knew my dad as well as he did. I'll never forget the eulogy he wrote for my father. Mr. Devine was one of the good guys and a great friend. My family is better for having known him. For my mother, my brother and myself, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Eric McDonald

January 18, 2007

"Brevity and clarity." Those words I try to live by, and too often wonder what he would say if he heard me rambling on. And on. To this day, time spent with Jumpin' Joe Devine is cherished.
Well, if that was the only thing he ever taught me, it would be more than enough. But, lucky for us, there was much, much more. A great man of character. And integrity. Mr. Devine. What an honor to have been with by you.
To all of the Devine World, family especially, may the joy and strength he gave freely to us all bring warmth, joy and strength to you.

Class of 1982

Judy Harris (formerly Schaefer)

January 18, 2007

To the Devine Family-my thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of sadness. "Mr. Devine" was my teacher and basketball coach at WSHS too. He was one of my favorite teachers ever, and his classes were always so much fun and enjoyable. Such a silly and funny man! I learned how to be Ms. Spellcheck from him. Know that he was a very popular and loved man, and you were blessed to have him in your family. He will be missed greatly.

Mike Cochran

January 18, 2007

What a sweet wonderful man. He often made my day with his varied and quick quips. Whether how to roast prime rib or "process" a captured crab, Joe had the proper instruction and always with a twist of humor. "Properly maintained, a crab trap will last 20 or more years"! Joe's sure did!
I hope to honor him by sharing his pleasant greeting and always having a nice thing to say about another human being. He will be remembered always. "Hey, aren't we 'bout ready for an invite to Hood Canal again"?
Joe responds,"why no! we're at Zed and Zelda Zimmerman now...you've got a long wait yet"!
Bye for now old friend.

Lori Montgomery

January 18, 2007

I can honestly say that Mr. Devine, one of my favorite teachers at WSH, made a lasting and favorable difference the way I view education and respect for others... the best thing he did was kick me out of class and teach me what honor really is! Thank you Joe Devine!

My deepest condolences pour out to his family, loved ones, and all those whose life he touched.

Joe, you are a man of great honor who will forever be remembered in great fondness.

Lori Willson

January 18, 2007

I wish to extend my condolences to Mr. Devine's family. I have very fond memories of "Joe Cool" from my years at West Side. His presence among us will be missed, but he will always be remembered.

Lori (Estep) Willson
WSHS, Class of 1985

Todd Toler

January 18, 2007

I will never forget Joe Devine Sr. He was, among his many admirable traits, the single greatest wedding guest who ever lived. May I only hope to be so approachable, compassionate, witty, and brave (especially when it comes to dancing) at such events. In general, he had a charm that bridged the "generation gap." He will be greatly missed, but always remembered.

Chrissy Stafford

January 18, 2007

This news makes me very sad. Mr. Devine was my language arts teacher at West Seattle High. He really was a neat man...and very witty. He made showing up for class fun.

Kathie Holten

January 18, 2007

I had the most delightful flight to Phoenix with your father and mother (Joe and Josephine). We talked the whole way and he solved a couple of grammatical/punctuation issues for me! I bought his book! How lucky I was to have shared only a 2+ hour flight with him!

DeeAnn Stafford Richstein

January 18, 2007

Dear Devine Family,
Mr. Devine was my LA teacher some 30 years ago at WSHS. He was one of my favorites. In his class I wrote a story about my grandfather and how rabbits lay eggs. I got in trouble with my 1st grade teacher because of my grandfather but that paper received an "A" from Mr. Devine. It is one of my fondest memories. My prayers are with you.

Colin Wilcox

January 18, 2007

I got lucky. Joe was my English teacher at West Seattle in 1977. He was reputed to be the toughest grader on campus, and I was scared spitless of the guy.

So, to make a long story short, I came away from his class thinking, 'Hey, I can write ... maybe.' Thirty years later, I've published a zillion words to a slew of Web sites, and I'm putting the finishing touches on a novel.

Joe, you helped crank out a writer. Thanks. And thanks to your family for sharing you with us.

Wayne Hagler

January 17, 2007

I didn't have the good fortune to be in a class taught by Mr. Devine, but I saw him a lot at Longacres where he worked during the summers in the late 70's-early 80's. He never failed to ask, "How ya doin' Lucky?" What a very nice man he was, and I wish I'd known him better. RIP Lucky.

Peg (Morrison) Radford

January 17, 2007

Devine Family,

I am so sorry for your loss, leaving such a great void in your lives. May the memories of your husband/dad/grandfather, and the closeness of family, help you through this sad time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Diane (Hansen) Szender

January 17, 2007

To The Devine Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Mr. Devine was an awesome teacher at West Seattle High School, some 30 years ago. He was my LA teacher and swim coach. Mr. Devine had a way of making LA fun and interesting. And...he also made coming to swim team at 6 am in the winter seem like 10 am on summer vacation. We worked hard, but had fun also. Mr Devine - you will be missed by many grads of WSHS. Rest in peace.

Janice Johnson

January 17, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with the Devine family.

Mr Devine (aka the Devine One, the Almighty Devine, Joe Cool) was my language arts teacher my sophmore and junior years at West Seattle High School (Class of 1982). He also taught both of my older sisters.

I always enjoyed his teaching style and hearing him read from his book "Aloysius Muldoon and the Parts of Speech". As a class, we especially enjoyed how he let us have a 'P-A-R-T-Y' to celebrate an upcoming holiday (although they weren't allowed) and how he'd conveniently leave the the room so we could plan, that way he could honestly say he knew nothing about it. He always acted so surprised come party day. He'd go on to tell us how parties weren't allowed, but since the food was there, we shouldn't let it go to waste.

He is one of the few teachers that has stood out in my mind and I still
think fondly of him today.

We will be truly missed by all that knew him.

Anna-Maria de la Fuente

January 17, 2007

Mr. Devine was my English teacher and basketball coach in the early 80s. He taught me to write concisely, and challenged me as no other English teacher ever did. We were always arguing about commas, so I laughed when I first heard the title of his book. When I became a teacher, he would write to me and share his wisdom and advice, such as "Don't assign more than you can read!" I am a proud owner of Commas Are Our Friends, and consider myself lucky to have had Mr. Devine as a teacher. Most of all, though, I will remember his sense of humor. He always seemed about to smile or laugh, and I know that he is smiling down on all of us now. To Mrs. Devine, I remember you as such a sweet person, and I think of the two of you as such a special and inspiring couple. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family, and to Mr. Devine, thanks for everything.

Anna-Maria de la Fuente
West Seattle Class of 82

valerie ryan

January 17, 2007

My condolences to Joe's family. He was a great guy: funny, witty and wise.

Mike and Linda Eguchi

January 17, 2007

Devine Family:

Joe Devine was my sophomore english teacher at Cleveland High School in 1963. I will never forget his class because he made it so fun. It was also the class that I found out about the death of JFK. Class was very somber that day. As years passed and I graduated from college and was preparing to get married, Joe Devine re-entered my life. It turns out he was the Best Man at my future father-in-law's wedding (Bill Robins!)!! I am married to the oldest daughter of Bill Robins. Small world. Our condolences to you all.

Deb Cole

January 17, 2007

I remember one time running into Joe leaving the liquor store. He asked me what I was doing there and, when I told him we were having a party, he asked where his invitation was. In addition, he did an amazing job with the eulogy for Morgan O'Brien, my dad by marriage. I wonder from that point on who would be able to eulogize Joe as well as he eulogized everyone else. He will be missed by all of us that knew and loved him. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire DeVine family.

John Christiansen

January 17, 2007

Dear Devine Family, Mr. Devine was my roll room and English teacher at Cleveland High School 1962-64. Although he didn't coach at CHS we always called him "coach" and he called me "J.Critch, King of BN (brown nosing)". I last saw Mr. Devine at the 40 year reunions of the CHS Class of 1963 & 1964. Coach was a great mentor and good friend all these years. He sent me an autographed copy of "Comma's Are Our Friends" for my daughter Amy, who was attending WWU and majoring in journalism. Coach had a great impact on my life and I will miss him. John "J. Critch" Christiansen, CHS Class of '64'.

Kim O'Grady (formerly Dowie)

January 17, 2007

What an amazing man...that Mr. Devine! He was my basketball coach and Language Arts teacher at West Seattle High School. I believe he even taught us Greek Mythology (a subject my daughter has grown to love). It was only last week that I spoke of Mr. Devine and his unique teaching style. For those of my teammates who remember playing for him back in the early eighties, Mr. Devine always said, "You can't roller skate in a buffalo herd." That still makes me smile. Mr. Devine, you'll be missed. My thoughts are with the Devine family.

Dan Fernandez

January 17, 2007

I never knew Joe, but I am honored to count his daughter Megann as my friend and colleague. I know how much she will love and miss her dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Megann, and with all your family.

Josie Leahy

January 17, 2007

Dear Devine Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I picture your Dad joining the many others from the hill who have passed on to the big party in the heavens. Take good care.

Mike "Ice" Osotio and Family

January 16, 2007

To the Devine Family,

Our warmest prayers and thoughts to a great family. Your Dad was the Cal Ripken of his profession and family..never missing a moment. Every foot, every inch, every drop of sweat, every smile of the annual Devine Challenge will be in tribute to "Grandpa Joe".

John McDonald

January 16, 2007

Devine Family,
Out of respect and admiration your father/husband was always "Mr. Devine" to me. My deepest sympathies to you all. A true character filled with wit, Joe left an indelible impression on me. From the secret handshake he required of me every time we met to the way he addressed me each time our paths crossed, he always made me feel that I mattered and that I wasn't just another bump on a log. In his book he even convinced me that Commas are my Friends. Most importantly, he was one of the many "Fathers in the Neighborhood" that showed all of us kids The Way through his example and for that I am eternally grateful. Mr. "Joe" Devine, Sr., a member of the Capitol Hill Hall of Fame via Sequim, will be missed. I am thankful to have known him and will never forget him.

John Sauvage

January 16, 2007

Dear Devine Family,
I just want you to know that your father will be dearly missed. He was a great man who touched the lives of many. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as this is an extremely difficult time. Losing a loved one is never easy especially one like your father.
All my prayers,

Tom McDonald

January 16, 2007

To all the Devine family my thoughts and prayers go out to you. Joe was a very special friend that genuinely cared about those he came in contact with. We really shared a bond that meant a lot to me. A rabid sports fan Joe was always up to date and well versed at all times. His quick wit and personal charm created a get opportunity for all to share. Joe "The Muse" was one of a kind. I will truly miss him, as will my entire family.

Stephen Willis

January 15, 2007

I'm really going to miss a great
uncle. I think that you led about
as straight a life as anyone could
have wished.

John Berridge

January 14, 2007

Joe,

Three cheers for an exceptional life marked by integrity, honesty and independence. I will always remember you with fondness and respect.

Katherine and Corey Huber

January 14, 2007

Mr. Devine and all of you will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless and keep you all close to Himself.

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