Attorney John Kelley McDevitt

attorney john mcdevitt
Attorney John Kelley McDevitt, 73, beloved husband of Joanne C. Trentini McDevitt of Killingworth Ct and Cape Cod Massachusetts passed away peacefully on February 6th after a valiant 3 and 1/2 year battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Attorney McDevitt was born March 31, 1941 in Malden Massachusetts to the late Mary Cecilia Kelley McDevitt and Dr. John W. McDevitt former Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He was educated in the Waltham Massachusetts school system and was a graduate of The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester class of 1962 and Boston College law school class of 1965. He first practiced law in Massachusetts with the firm of Carey, Fanikas and McDevitt in Revere Massachusetts and also worked as an assistant city solicitor for that town as well as working for the city of Boston. He later came to New Haven CT and was an attorney for the Supreme office of the Knights of Columbus for over 30 years. He was a past member of the New Haven County Bar Association and held active licenses to practice law in both Massachusetts and Connecticut until his death. John loved trout fishing, Italy and time spent at his home on Cape Cod. He delighted in the smallest of things, like his hummingbird feeders, loved his wife's cooking, and liked to tell stories to a receptive audience. In addition to his wife of 27+ years, Joanne, he is survived by 4 children, 6 grandchildren, a step daughter and his godson Colin McNamara. He was predeceased by his brother W. Paul McDevitt. In accordance with John's wish, all services will be private. He disliked the post mortem so-called 'celebrations of life'. As he expressed many times, he celebrated life every day and did not want any public displays when he passed. At his core he was a humble man and grateful for all the blessings he received. 'There are men too gentle to live among the wolves'

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  1. A great story teller, an awesome husband and even better Godfather…I\’ve never seen a man fight like you did; a true inspiration to all. I enjoyed nothing more than hearing your stories for hours upon hours while drinking an ice cold bud light. Your accomplishments would fit in nothing short of a novel and I admired you for that. If dreams weren\’t dreams and dreams came true, I would do anything to have a proper goodbye and tell you how influential you\’ve been on my life. I\’ll see you somewhere up in the sky….I know you will take care of Mom and sis for me… we love you and miss you uncle

  2. Angel quote , . Learn and grow gently, by ‘unlearning’ pain and remembering love, and you shall unravel the entanglements that once snared you .. When you and John found each other, heaven and earth rejoiced ! Your devotion to each other, especially yours, these last few difficult years, was awe inspiring. You are now, and have always been my hero . I wish that I could be sitting next to you for all that is to come, especially in the few days ahead, with my arm around you. Know as always, I am with you in spirit. John was a wonderful man, and angel sent to you, and you to him. May he rest in peace.I love you. Alberta.

  3. cara Joanne

    ti ringraziamo per il tuo gentile pensiero di averci mandato un ricordo

    diJohn , stimato ed amato da tutti per la sua bontà e professionalitÃ.

    E\’ in noi ancora vivo il dolore per la morte del caro John, ti pensiamo

    sempre e speriamo che tu possa superare questo periodo triste.

    Anche se stiamo lontano in Italia. ti siamo vicino nel dolore e nella preghiera

    che il buon Dio possa accoglierlo nell\’altra vita come Lui merita per

    la vita corretta e sublime vissuta ,

    Ti vogliamo bene , baci e abbracci Enzo e Teresa

  4. Dear Denise, Kelley, Michael, John and Jay and families,

    I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. John was a gentleman and

    always told a great story with much enthusiasm. Whether it was about how to cook a fresh caught fish, make a gin and tonic or play Keno (three things I was fortunate to learn from him) he made it fun! He loved his (extended) family and raised a fine group of individuals. And if it wasn’t for an illness that shortened his life way too soon, he would still be telling his stories and enjoying his days with everyone.

    My Condolences to all of you,

    Andrea Torre

  5. Dear Joanne. I learn the terrible news of the death of dear john. I am very sorry and I know that he also suffered a lot. I have no other words. I do not know if there are words that can serve you at this time. I can only tell you that I, my parents and my family are close to you and embrace you strongly

  6. Joanne, I am so sorry to see this. What a wonderful man he was, and the perfect partner for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we send our love.

  7. Joanne, please accept our condolences. John was such a wonderful, caring man and he touched our hearts in so many ways. He told us that were not only the love of his life, but you gave him the care that only you could give as his private nurse. John knew he was a loved man. We will never forget him.

  8. My sincere sympathy – Mary Canavan Bacque – former secretary to Dr. John W. McDevitt – We shared a lot through our positions at the K of C! –

  9. and… thank you Joanne, for your CPR at the Hamden Country Club when Harvey passed away – Mary Bacque –

  10. Dear Joanne,

    We cannot express how sorry we are that John has left us,he will be in our thoughts as well as you are.

    Please accept our heartfelt.Sympathy, Love Joan & Don

  11. Denise and Joanne, I am so sorry to hear about John. Kelley, my

    condolences to you, John, Jay and Michael. I feel fortunate to have been

    his audience many times while he told one of his vivid stories. xo

  12. Denise and Joanne, I am so very sorry for your tragic loss. Kelley, my sincere condolences to you, your family and your brothers. My thoughts are with all of you. I feel fortunate that I had the chance to know John and have many fond memories of him. He is gone much too early but heaven has a great story teller! xoxo

  13. I believe this is the father of Ret. Ofc. John McDevitt of the Madison, CT police department. In honor of Ofc. McDevitt we extend our condolences.

  14. Joann, We are so sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing that John is at peace. We will always remember him in our prayers.

  15. Joanne…Anne and I send our condolences to the entire family. May John rest in peace, and may you find comfort in the knowledge his suffering has ended.

  16. John, Jay, Michael, Kelley & Denise,

    We are so sorry for your loss.. All the people who know you and love you know deep down how much your daddy loved and cherished you all. His life was so full of love for his children and grand children it melts my heart. Knowing your family for 41 years I feel blessed to share so many happy memories and no one will be able to take that from any of you!

    We love you so much xoxo

    The Corcoran family

  17. Kelley, Steve, Michael, Katie, Denise, John, Beth and the rest of the McDevitt clan. I am truly so sad for all of you on the loss of your dad and grandfather. He was clearly an impressive and accomplished man. I will keep all of you in my prayers as you mourn your profound loss. With Love, Suzanne McDermott and family

  18. One of the most influential people I’ve ever had in my life. I would not be who I am today without his presence and guidance over the years. A man of many accomplishments and stories to go along with every one of them along the way. You’ll be missed by many…Love you Uncle, Rest in Peace. I love you too Auntie, we’re all praying for you!

  19. The love of your life is still here in your heart, mind, body and soul. Dwell on yourself for now because that is what John would want you to do. He was an amazing man and my first meeting with him was unbelievable. I have never felt so at home and comfortable as I did then. A rare quality that I am glad you had the pleasure of knowing. You had come a long way with taking care of your daughter when you divorced your ex. The balance between caring for her and your parents as well was truly a rough road with no guarantees and then along comes your handsome, blue-eyed adorable Irishman who swept you and all close to you off their tired and weary feet. Enough love in this gentleman to cover a lot of broken hearts and crushed dreams. To see him leave this world without the hugs of those who should have been close to him and grateful for him is mind boggling. This man hung on for dear life as he fought his illness while you lovingly cared for him. Everybody should ‘suffer’ a love as yours as you both were truly blessed. My hugs and prayers are with you Joanna as you now must go through life with his memory making you strong. All my love, xoxox Peggy

  20. To my dear friends John and Beth, and Michael, Kelley, Jay and Denise…I hope you and your family find the peace you need to get through this difficult time. Big hugs, Katie Behan

  21. Joanne, We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss John’s stories, and his great sense of humor. Our deepest condolences to you. Please know that you have our support and we are here for you if you need anything in the days ahead. Kevin and Caryn Luneau

  22. Due to the overwhelming amount of requests to make a donation to his favorite charity, Joanne has asked that all donations be made to:

    Winchester Chest Clinic

    c/o Erica Herzog, M.D.

    Fitkin Memorial Pavilion

    789 Howard Ave, 2nd Floor

    New Haven, CT 06519

    In Memory of Attorney John K. McDevitt

  23. Joanne,

    I know you were his whole world. Though others disappointed him, your

    devotion was unwavering May God Bless you during this time of deep mourning.

  24. John, Jay, Michael and Kelley I am sorry for the loss of your father. Your father was such an accomplished man, I am sure his biggest accomplishments are his children and grandchildren – I’ll keep you all in my prayers as you morn his loss.

  25. Kelley, Steve, Michael and Katie, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Love, The Strikowskis


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