Dennis Devine
September 25, 1946 - March 25, 2024
"May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back May the sunshine warm your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields.."
Obituary of Dennis Devine
Dennis Devine, born September 25, 1946, peacefully passed away on March 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved son of Francis "Bud" Devine and Phillis (Conley) Devine. Preceded in death by his siblings Timothy, Darcie, and Douglas Devine.
Dennis is survived by his dear brother David and sister-in-law Roxanne Devine; brother-in-law of William (Bonnie) McFarland, James (Kendra) McFarland, Timothy McFarland and Daniel (Lynne) McFarland. Predeceased by brother-in-law Robert McFarland.
Dennis, affectionately known as DD by many, leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and dedication to his family and community. He was a devoted husband to Mary Beth and a loving father to Kelley Devine and Kristen (Anthony) Molinaro. His grandchildren, Michael, Anthony, Aiden, Christian, and Daniel, brought him boundless joy and he cherished every moment spent with them. Also survived by his loving cousins and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A native of Lockport, NY, Denny was deeply connected to his hometown. As a Vietnam War veteran, he embodied the principles of patriotism and sacrifice. Following his military service, Denny embarked on a career in education, retiring as an Elementary School Principal from the Lockport City School District.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Denny had a wide range of interests and hobbies. He was an avid golfer, enjoying time spent with friends at LTCC and he took great pleasure in playing his beloved card game of bid pitch. He was a lifelong board member of the YMCA, served on the GLDC and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. His dedication to his alma mater, the Lockport City School District, was evident in his role as a Distinguished Alumnus. He continued to support education by working with student teachers from Buffalo State College and Niagara University even after retirement.
A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 10 a.m. at All Saints Parish, Lockport, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Lockport YMCA or Niagara Hospice in memory of Dennis Devine.
A great friend since childhood, a class act and one of the good guys. You will not soon be forgotten. Rest in peace old buddy. To Mary Beth and the entire family, our sincere condolences.
We will miss you more than words can express.
I have had the privilege of knowing Denny as fraternity brother, roommate, friend , and best man at my wedding. His smile always lit up the room. I know only too well the pain and sorrow that Mary Beth and the family are going through. Hold tightly onto each other. Take comfort in knowing how many friends Denny hand and are willing to help in any way they can. Rest in peace brother
Always there for me when I needed advice or help. Like another big brother in good times and not so good ones. Part family, part friend . A smart, strong, generous guy who loved life. I shall miss you Den. Thanks for all the memories.
Sorry that I can’t be home for the Mass but will have a memorial here in Durham myself. Denny quietly boosted me 30 uears ago and made me feel welcome when ever we met. RIP Doc
A fellow Viet Nam we had some Good Talks at Molinaros he was always positive really going To Miss Him
Mary Beth & family
So sorry for your loss. Dennis was a great man & enjoyed life to the fullest. Dennis will never be forgotten! Sorry we are out of town & will not be able to attend services but will be praying & thinking of you. We will raise a glass in memory of Dennis!
Kay & Dick Shanley
One of my favorite all-time teachers. Dennis took me to the Olympics of the Mind one year and when I asked he chose me he said, “because you’re a good kid, you’re smart and you have just enough devil in you to make a difference.” I reminded him of that story while playing LTCC one day and he laughed a hearty laugh. Rest in peace, Mr. D. You were one helluva guy and you had a real impact on me.
Mary Beth, we are very sorry for your loss DD was a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this extremely difficult time.
Sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing. He was the ultimate educator and friend. A true North ender and friend of the Moran family. I know Joe will greet him in Heaven for a real blessed reunion with the Devine and Moran Families who have all preceded him. God bless them all. Bev Moran🙏🙏🙏🙏
Mr. Devine was my student teaching mentor 18 years ago at Buffalo State. His wisdom, his kindness, and his guidance made me the educator I am today. I feel very lucky to have had Mr. Devine show me the ropes before settling in at Roy-Hart. I learned from the very best and for that I will be eternally grateful.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
A pillar of the community and good friend. We are sorry to be out of town for the mass. Our sincere condolences to Mary Beth and family.
David & Kimberly Olson
I am sorry!!!!!!!!!!!! He was such a nice guy and will be very much missed. God Bless you all during this difficult time!!!!!!
Mary Beth and family
I’m so sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing. He was a great friend. I will miss him and his great personality very much. Our luncheon get together at Molinaro’s will never be the same. Brad
Mary Beth and Family
My condolences on Dennis’ passing. He made a big impression on me, going out of his way to help and offer advice navigating the special education maze when we moved here. I always enjoyed seeing him at the golf course or around town. He could have trademarked his smile. I will miss him.
I was fortunate years ago to work as Dennis’s Secretary for several months at Charles Upson Elementary. I learned so much from him. I will always remember his kindness to me and my youngest daughter. Jessica liked coming in after hours and playing secretary with the phone. Dennis was so wonderful with her. She still talks about those days! What a tremendous loss to this community. Rest In Peace, Dennis.
Mary Beth and Family,
Our heart is heavy with the passing of DD!!! He was definitely a class act, who touched the lives and heart of everyone he came in contact with. He will always have a special place in our hearts with his positive attitude and overall influence in education! He will be missed! Our deepest love, prayers and sympathy to all of you!! XOXO
Truly heart breaking to read this. Mr D you were a friend that I truly admired. RIP Mr D.
Wonderful person- so sorry for your families loss – sending prayers🙏❤️
Dennis was always a pleasure to talk to when I would see him at Dougs house. I hope you all find comfort and peace during this hard time.
Mary Beth and family I am so sorry to hear of Dennis passing. He was one of a kind. WhenWorking with him and his student teachers he always came in my classroom with a smile and encouraging words. Lockport lost a true friend.
Dennis was truly a world class guy. Anyone who crossed paths with him, even for a moment, always walked away smiling. My heart goes out to you, Mary Beth, and your whole family. He will be greatly missed.
Denny D. always had a smile, a quick joke, and a compliment for me. We grew up on the same street, played baseball/football/basketball at Out water Park, and even shared some cinnamon toast. I’ve lost my ability to process this. Until we meet again, friend. Until we meet again.
There will never be another like him. What a big empty space is left in this world! Pages could be written about Dennis and his contributions to this community. So many words to describe him, compassionate, wise, funny, gregarious and a little naughty! It was a privilege to have called him friend.
Dennis was a truly great person. May he Rest in Peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mary Beth and family. Will miss you, Dennis.
Dear Mary Beth and family
I am very sorry to hear about Dennis passing, although we knew it will happen soon.
But as always, it has been too soon for everyone ..I only knew Dennis for a short time but will miss his occasional appearance in Clearwater and his great smile..
My thoughts and prayers are with you all Gudrun Kenny
Mr. Devine was a wonderful principal and mentor. I was lucky enough to be a student teacher several decades ago when he was the principal at Charles Upson. He was kind and always willing to lend a hand. He will be missed.
To the Family of Dennis Devine..may all good memories help you all during this sad time. I am a fellow Classmate, knew Dennis from Kindergarten – Graduation. Will miss seeing him this yr. At our 60th Reunion, but have a lot of good memories. Respectfully. Will miss you Dear Friend.
I was so fortunate to call him my friend, roommate, and bid pitch partner. I’m sorry I overbid him once and got set!!!! He was one of a kind. His legacy will continue to live on in our hearts forever. I have no words to express what a loss he will be to so many whose hearts he touched.
RIP Denny. My sincere condolences to MB and the family.
Denny was a good one and a dear friend! He worked placing student teachers in my school at Starpoint and did so masterfully. He was a consummate professional with that keen Irish sense of humor. It was my pleasure to recommend him for a special SAANYS award several years back. He was at our May retiree luncheon last year and will be missed this year. It was my honor and pleasure to work with him!
Mary Beth and Family,
My husband Jim and I are so sorry for your loss. Dennis was the director of the C.L.A.S.S. program in the Lockport School District, and hired me as one of the two teachers that ran it. He was a very supportive boss who trusted my work…”a guide on the side instead of a sage on the stage”. His guidance and fierce advocacy of the program was the reason it existed. His passing is a very big loss to the community.
My condolences to the family. My friend, supporter,, and mentor. Denny, It was a blessing to have known you. I will see you again…
Vietnam Veterans of America, Niagara County Chapter #268, will miss you very much. May God bless you for the wonderful times you gave all of us.
Our condolences to the family
He was a great soul, met in unfortunate circumstances but you wouldn’t believe so. He had a kindness that was unmatched, he made a busy and frustrating day worth it. He will truly be missed.
Mary Beth & Family
Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time.