Michael Harry DeVita, 80, most recently of Nixa, Missouri, beloved husband of Connie De Vita, passed away peacefully at Missouri Veterans Home, Mount Vernon, Missouri, Friday, May 10, 2019. He was surrounded by his devoted wife and loving family. Born on October 8, 1938 and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Michael was the son of the late Harry and Mary (Chiorra) DeVita. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during which he sailed on the Skipjack, the first attack nuclear submarine. He earned a B.S. degree in physics from La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
During his work career, Michael was employed by General Electric, Courier (where he developed the POS technology for McDonald’s and the Contemporary Hotel in Walt Disney World), Motorola and Kurta. His retirement in 2004 was from the city of Tempe, Arizona as an IT professional. In 1958, he was married to his first wife of 18 years, Barbara Trumbauer.
Together they raised two boys and a girl. In 1969, he and his family moved to Arizona. In 1988, he married Connie Engel with whom he enjoyed 31 years.
In 2014, he and Connie moved to Nixa, Missouri. Michael is known for his big personality and devotion to family. Everyone who knew him quickly became fond of him.
He enjoyed sailing and spending time with his loving wife, family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, Connie; two sons Michael DeVita and wife Sandra of Mesa, Arizona, Christopher DeVita and wife Jeanne of Tampa, Florida; a daughter Diane and husband Shawn Gorham of Valencia, California; two stepsons, Bryan Engel and wife Juli of Ozark, Missouri, and Jason Engel and wife Tina of Ozark; 14 grandchildren: Michael (Emily), Desireé, Heather, Leah, Clayton (Emily), Anne Marie, Peter, Theresa, Jadyn, Jarrett, Tanner, Ryan, Megan and Adam. A Memorial Service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at Clark Chapel in James River Church, 6100 N. 19th Street, Ozark, with Pastor Mark Wright officiating.
Burial with Military Honors will follow at 11:00 a.m. in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S Southwood Rd, Springfield, Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Michael’s name to Intrepid USA Hospice, 4305 S. National Ave, Springfield, MO 65810.
Or make a gift online: donate. nationalhospicefoundation.org/Intrepid To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Michael Harry DeVita please visit our Sympathy Store.
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