Patrick J. Devers

Patrick J. Devers, a resident of South Abington Twp., peacefully passed away on Saturday surrounded by his loving family in the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, the former Jeanne Manley.

Born Nov. 20, 1932, in Scranton, he was the son of the late Patrick and Mary McCarthy Devers. Pat was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School, class of 1952, and the class of 1956 at East Stroudsburg University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. He also attended graduate school at both St. John's and Hofstra universities. Pat worked as a physical education teacher for 33 years at the Thompson Junior High School in Syosset, New York. During his time there, he was also a proud coach of the high school soccer and baseball teams. Pat went on to become the recreational director for both the Oyster Bay Community and the Syosset School District. His programs grew to serve a multitude of people throughout numerous communities of Long Island.

A lover of boating and fishing off Long Island waters, he was a licensed boat captain. He was also a talented woodworker and dog lover. He will be greatly missed by his two poodles, Seamus and Molly. But most of all, Pat will be remembered as a kind, loving and generous person - a true gentleman.

Surviving are his daughter, Kathy Mayer and husband, Michael, Sparta, New Jersey; and son, Kevin Devers and wife, Joanne, Manorville, N.Y. He was predeceased by his beloved son, Sean Devers, with whom he is now shopping in Heaven's Home Depot.

He was a devoted "Pop-Pop" of Kristina Devers, Alyssa Devers, Daniel Mayer, Matthew Mayer and Emily Mayer; and also survived by nieces and nephews, including Mary Ellen Devers, whose selfless devotion to provide tremendous love and care during his illness is greatly appreciated.

Pat leaves his sister, Mary Devers, Scranton; brothers, Joseph, Bayport, N.Y.; and Paul Devers, Scranton; and a daughter-in-law, Olga, West Islip, N.Y. He was also preceded in death by sisters, Dorothy and Patricia Devers; and brother, Robert Devers.

Celebration of Pat's life will be held Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016, at Immaculate Conception Church, 801 Taylor Ave., Scranton, by Rev. Joseph Sica.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friends and family may call Saturday from 9 until the time of Mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to StJude.org. He lived by the idea to love one another and spend time together, because at the end, that's all you'll have to take with you - the love. His wife Jeanne wishes that we follow Pat's creed and embrace his ideals.

Interment, Cathedral Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of the Vanston and James Funeral Home, Ash Street, Scranton.

To share a memory or to leave a condolence, please visit www.vanstonandjames.com.