Edward James Devine

Edward James Devine of Sarasota FL was born in Boston, one of 10 children with three brothers, and six sisters. He passed away peacefully on the afternoon of December 10, 2021. Ed was 89 years old. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jean (Morgan) Devine, two daughters Mary Lo (FL) and Margaret Devine-Sullivan (NH), sister Pauline Huelin (NC), sons-in-law Ton Lo (FL) and Brian Sullivan (NH), stepsons James Morgan (MA) and Daniel Morgan (FL) as well as eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his daughter, Theresa (2021), and wife Clare (Cummings) Devine (1980).

Growing up in Massachusetts, Eddie enjoyed and excelled at ice hockey and was named all-state goalie while attending Boston High School of Commerce in 1951. In recent years he followed the Tampa Bay Lightning instead of the Boston Bruins, the Rays over the Red Sox, fostering friendly family rivalries each season.

Ed was a Korean War veteran, having served his country stateside in the Marine Corps. His brothers each served in a different branch of the service. His brother, Robert Devine, was killed in Korea in June 1953. Honoring the sacrifice of all veterans and their families was very important to Ed.

He earned a master’s degree at Boston College, graduating in 1959. Ed entered the teaching profession as a fifth grade teacher and later became an elementary school principal in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. He retired in the early 1980s and shortly thereafter moved to Florida with his wife, Jean.

His daughters fondly remember many summers spent camping along the east coast traveling as far north as New Brunswick, Canada and south to the Carolinas. Ed was a life-long learner and enjoyed visiting historical and cultural sites with his three children during these trips. He loved watching documentaries, sharing what he learned, and staying up-to-date with current events.

Ed will be remembered for his quick-witted humor and reflective thinking. He could bring smiles to every face in the room with an impromptu thought or play on words. During his lifetime he faced personal loss and health challenges with patience, a positive outlook, perseverance, faith and a grateful heart.

A burial service will take place on January 21 at 12:30 pm at the Sarasota National Cemetery (9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota). A Celebration of Life is being planned.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Aphasia Community Center at aphasiasarasota.org .