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Robert Devlin Obituary
Bob's survivors include his wife and "the love of his life" of 37 years, Donna Hebert Devlin; a sister, Frances Salisbury; three sisters-in-law: Barbara, wife of Vaughn Rist, Paula Hebert, and Joan, wife of Donald Abraham. He also leaves three nieces, a nephew, nine great nieces and nephews, and several cousins.
Bob was born in Worcester, son of James and Elizabeth Ahern Devlin. He was a graduate of Classical High School, The College of the Holy Cross, and earned a Master's Degree from Boston University. He played semi-pro basketball and baseball.
Bob was involved in high school and college athletics for more than 40 years, retiring in 1988 as Athletic Director at Worcester State College.
Bob was an exceptional coach of football, basketball, and baseball at St John's High School from 1946 to 1965. As basketball coach, he compiled a 419-80 win/loss record which included a 58 game regular season winning streak, four Western Mass. Championships, and four New England Catholic championships. His teams had four undefeated football seasons at St John's and won the 1952 State Baseball Championship. His teams won countless city and district titles.
From 1965 to 1970, Bob served as basketball Coach and Assistant Football Coach at WPI. In 1970, he was hired as Athletic Director at Worcester State College. He also coached the Tennis and Golf teams at Worcester State and was named Division 3 Golf Coach of the Year in 1984 and 1985.
Bob was a member of the St John's, Worcester State College and New England Basketball Coaches Halls of Fame, and received numerous other distinguished awards in the field of athletics.
Bob also owned and operated Bob Devlin's Sporting Goods Co. in Worcester for 31 years.
Bob had a passion for golf, and was a member at Worcester Country Club and most recently at Pleasant Valley Country Club. He was also a member at several Florida courses over the past 18 years. He also loved to play bridge and belonged to several bridge clubs in Worcester and in Florida, and could be found at any table on a cruise ship with his favorite partner Donna.
Following cremation in Florida, calling hours will be held Friday, Dec. 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral Mass will be Saturday, Dec. 12 at 10:30 a.m. in St Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton St., Worcester.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bob Devlin Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of St John's High School, 378 Main St., Shrewsbury 01545.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Devlin
Mass Golf Assoc.
December 15, 2009
Donna,
On behalf of all your friends at The Massachusetts Golf Association, we would like to pass along our sincere sympathy to you and your family on the passing of Bob. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.
Kind regards,
Scott Whitcomb
Hank Flynn
December 9, 2009
Dear Donna,
Please accept my condolences on Bob's passing. I played football for him at St. Johns and at WPI and have always viewed him with the greatest respect, warmth, and admiration.
On a simple note, although I haven't seen Bob for many years, I miss his ready smile and words of encouragement.
Hank Flynn
St. Johns '61
December 8, 2009
Dear Donna,
We lost a great friend, and the most gentlelyman we ever have known. It was always a pleasure to play bridge with such a great player. he sure did know that game.
He will be missed terribly by us all.
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO YOU. and feel sure that he will be in our thoughts and prayers always.
Hope to see you soon,
With Love, Norma and Tony
Eileen & Hans
December 7, 2009
Although we only knew Bob a few short years, we will miss him and think of him often. Our deepest condolences to you, Donna
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Barbara Williams
December 7, 2009
Sorry for you loss. Bob was always at our games. He contributed alot to the teams he coached and as the Athletic Director of Worcester State College. Hope by remembering the many joys and happy times you shared will help you at this of sorrow.
Barbara Williams
December 6, 2009
Dear Donna:
I thought the world of Bob. He was the most innovative basketball coach I have ever encountered, and quite likely the finest three-sport coach in Massachusetts history. While I only played for Bob for one year, even as a fifteen year old sophomore, I knew that I was being coached by a master who was ahead of his time in his strategic approach to the game, and whose fierce competitiveness was so well complemented by a genuine interest in the well-being of his players. It was a privilege to have known him, and to have played for him.
My sincere condolences, Donna.
Warm Regards,
Dan Doyle
Kathy Williams
December 6, 2009
Donna,
So sorry to hear about Bob. I will alway remember the happy times and what he meant to the Worcester State Women's Basketball program.
My Thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time
Kathy Williams
Mike Flynn
December 5, 2009
Coach Devlin was an inspiration to countless young men who played for him at St. John'e Prep. He will always be remembered by those who had the privilege of having him as their coach, mentor, and role model. A wonderful person and intense competitor who knew how to instill his spirit in his players.
December 5, 2009
Dear Donna,
My prayers and condolences are with you. Bob was a close friend and teammate at Classical High School. He certainly changed many lives and will be greatly missed.
Tom O'Connor Jr.
December 4, 2009
Donna,
I was so sorry to read of Bob's death.
His accomplishments are truly impressive.
It is hard to lose one's life partner and even more so when you share so many interests.
We will miss him at the bridge club.
Lorraine Konisky
Jim Evans
December 3, 2009
Donna,
I was sorry to hear about Bob's passing.
He was a great man and cousin.
I am glad that you both linked up with my brothers.
My prayers are with you.
Jim Evans
December 3, 2009
Dear Donna: Our prayers are with you in this trying time. Bob was a wonderful neighbor and friend, and we'll miss his smiling face and talks about the "Patriots".
Love, Jim and Linda (your Florida neighbors from Auburn)
December 2, 2009
Dear Donna-
My prayers are with Bob, you and your family. May God rest his soul.
"Merciful Father, hear our prayers and console us."
Ed McCarthy
Old classmate at Classical and Holy Cross
Dave Heebner
December 2, 2009
Dear Donna: Bob's legacy is secure in the thousands of young lives he so firmly touched and shaped throughout his life. As a grateful recipient of his "care" at WPI in the '60s, I join you in grieving his loss and celebrating his life.
My warmest thoughts and sympathy to you and Bob's family,
Dave Heebner, WPI '67
December 2, 2009
Dear Donna, We just heard of Bob's passing and send our thoughts with deepest sympathy.Bob was always supportive when I was a young coach at Worcester State.
Sincerely,
John Hoogasian
December 2, 2009
Dear Donna,
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a great person, friend
in my earily years in Worcester, great coach and especially a very
positive influence on my life.
My Sincere Sympathies to you Donna.
Ed Keating
George Abodeely
December 2, 2009
Donna
I want to express my condolances to you. Bob was a great guy.
Bill Hebert
December 2, 2009
Dear Donna, Please accept my condolances on Bob's passing. He was a great teacher and coach. He taught me history in my senior year at St.Johns. We later had his talents at Worcester State as well as yours. May God have mercy upon him.
Bill Hebert '47
Cavendish Club
December 2, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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