OBITUARY Howard Joseph Devaney Jr. July 1, 1933 – September 27, 2018 Old Town and Verona NJ. Howard J. Devaney, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully, September 27, 2018, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Montclair, NJ, July 1, 1933, the son of Howard J. and Mary Cecilia (Whalen) Devaney.
Howard graduated from Oratory Preparatory School in Summit, NJ. He worked various jobs after graduation, but he loved to tell stories from his time as a delivery driver for Ballentine Breweries. He joined the US Army at the start of the Korean Conflict, and was stationed in Korea and Fort Dix, TX.
After serving his tour, Howard joined the police force in Es Fells, NJ, until retirement. When he retired, he began a second career in insurance with State Farm. His outgoing nature led him to a very successful career in the business, and he stayed in the industry for 20 years.
Howard had a passion for collecting police patches, amassing over 5000 in total from 17 countries. Most were obtained by writing handwritten notes to all the different police departments. Many departments would not usually give away patches, but receiving one of Howard’s notes would bend the rules.
Howard also loved to build model trains, and took great pleasure in sharing them with his children and grandchildren, or anyone who happened to come by the house. He was an excellent cook, and his meatballs and meatloaf knew no rival. Howard was known to love a good ride in a car to places yet unknown, and would often stop to explore what an out-of-the-way diner had to offer.
Howard was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He stood up for the underdog; believed in fairness; and was honest, trustworthy and punctual. He was always the first to initiate conversation.
He was not shy, and regarded everyone as a potential new friend. Howard loved being a father and grandfather, and shared his passion for life with his family. He was a beautiful soul that will be greatly missed.
In addition to his parents, Howard was predeceased by his brother, Joseph Devaney. He is survived by his children, Kathleen Spruce and husband, Peter of Orono, Michael Devaney and wife, Brenda of Naples, FL, Peter Devaney and wife, Sandra of Palermo; and his grandchildren, James, Jacob, Cody and Ethan. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Maine Veterans Home for making Howard’s last days so peaceful.
Relatives and friends are invited to call 6-8 pm, Thursday, October 4, 2018, at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10am, Friday, October 5, at Parish of the Resurrection, Holy Family Church, 429 Main St, Old Town. Interment will be private for the family at Maine Veterans Cemetery, Augusta.
Those who wish to remember Howard in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Boys Town, 14100 Crawford St., Boys Town, NE 68010, or online at www. Boystown.org.
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