William J. Devine

William J. Devine
William J. (Bill) Devine, 95, of Norwalk, Connecticut, husband of the late Marie Fortune Devine, passed away at home on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Born on January 24, 1930, at home in Norwalk, he was the son of the late Eugene J. and Helena Collins Devine.
Mr. Devine graduated from Fairfield Prep in 1947. Upon graduation, he entered the Society of Jesus and attended the seminary for five years before choosing to leave that pursuit. After leaving the seminary, he served in the US Army during the Korean War as a chaplain's assistant in the highly decorated 196th Field Artillery Battalion. His mission was to bring spiritual light to those serving in some of the darkest parts of the war. Following his return from Korea, he attended Boston College. On April 18, 1964, he married Marie Fortune.
Mr. Devine worked as a staff writer for the Bridgeport Post for a number of years before beginning his career at Devine Bros. Inc., where he served as the corporation's secretary for over thirty years.
A devoted family man, Mr. Devine loved spending time with his family at his "camp" on Lake Ellis, near Petersham, Massachusetts. He was an active member of Assumption Parish in Westport.
Mr. Devine is survived by his children: Sons Gregory and his wife Christine of Barre, Massachusetts; Thomas and his wife Maribeth of Norwalk, Connecticut; and Sean and his wife Elizabeth of Redding, Connecticut; Daughter Annie Coolidge and her husband Colin of Fairfield, Connecticut.
He is also survived by his grandchildren: MaryPat, Billy, Claire, Jack, Charlie, Zach, Patrick, Ben, Katie, Liam, Cannon, and a great-grandson, Henry. He is survived by his sister, Elaine D. Mullen, of Jupiter, Florida, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife of 59 years, Marie, he was predeceased by four of his siblings and their spouses: Eugene J. Devine Jr. (Anne), Claire Driscoll (Jim), Eleanor McMahon (Bill), and Alice Mackinson (Frank).
Friends may call on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at The Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut. The calling hours will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Assumption, 98 Riverside Avenue, Westport, Connecticut 06880. Burial with Military Honors will take place at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church of the Assumption, referenced above.