Obituary of John H. Devine

John Hugh ‘Jack’ Devine, 90, of Larchmont, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday morning, August 30, 2025.

Jack was the sixth of seven children, born in the South Bronx to Mary Ellen and James Devine. He was raised there alongside his sister and five brothers, all of whom he cherished deeply throughout his life.

In 1957, Jack married the love of his life, Bridget “Sis” O’Keefe. Together, they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. They raised their seven children first in Throgs Neck and later in Larchmont, where they settled in 1972. Over the years, Jack and Sis were blessed with twenty adored grandchildren. After Sis's passing, Jack continued to be the heart of the family and lived to become a proud great-grandfather to twelve great-grandchildren.

As a young man, Jack worked in a butcher shop, where he learned not only the tools of the trade but also discovered the art of connecting with people from all walks of life. These early experiences laid the foundation for a vibrant career in international shipping. Jack spent the final 25 years of his professional life at Atlantic Container Line, where he earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike for his unwavering integrity, warmth, and ability to build lasting relationships.

Jack was a man who truly valued connection. For decades he could be found most days sitting on his front porch sharing stories with friends, family, or anyone who happened to walk by. He loved to talk, but even more, he had a gift for listening. He possessed an uncanny ability to remember the personal stories of nearly everyone he had ever met. In later years, his grandchildren marveled at the depth of his interest in their lives, and how eagerly he would share what they told him with others. Blessed with a sharp memory that stayed with him to the end, Jack continued to nurture the relationships that meant the most to him.

Jack lived each day as if his prayers had already been answered—in a morning cup of coffee, a phone call with a loved one, or a chance encounter with a neighbor. His life was a testament to gratitude and presence. He will be dearly missed by his children and their spouses, his grandchildren, great- grandchildren, sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.