John Sheridan Devine
Heaven rejoiced on September 2, 2013 when John Devine arrived. John leaves behind a legacy- a life of giving, teaching and loving for 75 years.
John was born in Bronxville, NY in 1938 and raised in Brooklyn. Here, his passion for all things New York began. John later served as an MP in the US Army. A graduate of St. John’s University, he spent his career at Safeco and Cigna before starting his own sports coaching company. John lived a full life with family and friends in New York, California and Washington.
John was a devoted husband to his wife of 49 years, Dianne. He was an unconditionally loving dad to his 4 daughters and their families, Catherine (Mark), Susan (Gene), Erin (Michael) and Maureen (Dave). John was a proud Bompa to 9 grandchildren who were the center of his world, Connor, Nathan, Laura, Megan, Ryan, Nikki, Breck, Sam and Kai. John was a beloved brother, fun Uncle and loyal friend. He was affectionately known as Coach John to those he coached in sports throughout his life and as Grandpa John to the many children with special needs that he welcomed into his heart.
John was an avid storyteller, marathon runner and practical joker who will be remembered for his knee-slapping laughter, love of chocolate, open heart and deep spirituality.
Funeral mass will be at St. Brendan on September 14th at 11 am
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of John Devine to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, PO Box 19023 Seattle, WA 98109. For questions, please call Sarah Mena 206-667-6121
15 Responses to “John Sheridan Devine”
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What a wonderful picture & true summary of John ‘ s nature. He definitely was a great father & family man. We are so very sorry for your loss. With our deepest sympathy, JoAnn & George Winn
John was such a kind man, a gentle man, a bright man… so many positive words describe him: kind, gentle, loving, bright, witty, happy, grateful, strong, and a gentle leader. I am honored to have known John. My heart is with Dianne and the family. I know you will have him with you forever in your hearts and hold wonderful memories of a very fine man. We all are better for having known John Sheridan Devine.
We miss you. We are so blessed to have all that you created for us to cherish forever.
John forever has a spot in my heart! What a delight it was to have known him and to have been able to spend a lot of time with him years ago! He coached our daughter Bree for several years. We spent many hours laughing with and sometimes AT John, while we were at tournaments. We both admired him so much. He was so much more than just a coach-I loved how he was a husband, father, and Grandpa and let you know how important those all were to him. We have so many funny stories about John that we will always remember. Heaven truly received an angel. God bless your family and please know how much we loved John and we know you’ll miss him a bunch. Al and Barb Kelly
John was inspirational as a coach, mentor, author, thinker, and advocate for special needs kids that truly made a difference to those he touched. It was an honor to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with Diane and the family. John will be truly missed.
I remember all of your family stories and how central family was and is to you and John. What a legacy and example he leaves to all that knew him. Dianne:our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I love the smile in this picture! only having met him a couple of times, John left a lasting impression of loving this life and being filled with joy. Prayers and so much love for you all!!!
I was fortunate enough to know and work with John for the past 4 years. Always enjoyed our visits that came with challenging questions wrapped around his wonderful sense of humor. John was a giver on this earth and I just know he has already started his new eternal work in Heaven.
I was privileged to get to know John on so many levels – as a mentor, a family man, and a deep thinker. We shared many conversations on working with special needs children, on pursuing victory on sport with honor, and focusing on the things in life that truly matter. I consider it one of the great honors in life to have been able to partner with him in some of his coaching training sessions and was able to witness the incredible wisdom he brought to the job of mentoring young people. John’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of so many lives he touched – mine among them.
Our love and sympathy go out to Dianne and the girls and all the family members. John was a special person with a wonderful vision for helping those who needed it. We have so many special memories of him that we can hold onto.
Johnny D…..you left us much too soon. We love you.
John had a very positive impact on so many lives, including ours. From the perspectives of family and christian values, integrity in business and reinventing himself when the opportunity arose, he was mentor, leader, caregiver and all with a joke and hearty laugh.
His character and inspiring attitude will be missed, but not forgotten.
Our thoughts and prayers to Dianne, the girls and all of the family.
Wonderful write up about Mr Devine. I will always hold so many special memories! Will be thinking of everyone this weekend as you celebrate his life! –Katie Campbell
I met John and Dianne when I moved in to the neighborhood a little over a year ago. I felt so welcomed, and my heart immediately warmed to this couple. John was eager to help me with “house stuff”, and was just so friendly. I will always be thankful to have known him, and will miss his friendly, fun-loving personality. John was a special person, loved by many people.
John was a great man of faith who encouraged others to join in to church activities. He and Dianne worked to get young couples more involved. I will always remember his big smile. I will never forget the “tacky parties” he and Dianne held at their house. We were encouraged to do tacky things like show up early instead of late and bring some bean dip to be served in the can. We had so much fun. God blessed us with his presence.
What a beauatiful service today! Maureen’s wonderful eulogy truly captured John’s essence, as do the picture and tributes here. We were blessed with his friendship, and he will always be in our hearts.