Obituary of John Devaney

John Joseph Devaney, Sr., 68, of Burlington, MA, and Delray Beach, FL, passed away after a long illness peacefully at his home, with his family at his bedside, on May 5, 2015. Born in Cambridge, MA, he was the son of the late Francis and Julia (Colarusso) Devaney. Beloved husband for 43 years of Catherine M. (Bryan) Devaney of Medford, MA. Loving father of Renee and her husband Lance Simmons, Jr., Stacy, Alison and her husband Gregg Serra, and John J., Jr., all of Burlington, MA. He was the proud papa of Cody and Dustin Serra. John was big brother of Robert and his wife Judi Devaney of Reading, MA. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. John was a graduate of University of Massachusetts, Boston (Boston State). He worked for over 40 years at Cambridge Hospital. John served his country as a proud U.S. Marine in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Melrose, Post 1606 and Disabled American Veterans Organizations. He was a longtime member of the Cambridge and Delray Beach Elks, Post 1770. He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Meadowbrook Golf Club in Reading, MA. He was the coach of the Sheraton Commander’s Men softball team. He was a high school hockey coach for over 40 years. Assistant coach of Watertown High School, and started the hockey program as the head coach at both Trinity Catholic High School and St. Joseph’s Preparatory High School. During his coaching career Trinity Catholic was the Catholic Central League, DIV II, Champs (07-08). John received the coach of the year award for hockey in 2014. The family will take with them all the wonderful memories of their vacations in Sand Hills, Scituate, and Disney World, which included his grandchildren. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Saturday, May 9th at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Barbara’s Church, 138 Cambridge Road, Woburn, at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday from 4-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. The interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517 or www.woundedwarriorproject.org.