SOUTH PORTLAND — John James Devine, Jr., 89, died peacefully Jan. 30 with his beloved children at his side.
On April 29, 1920, he was born in South Portland, the oldest son of John James Devine, Sr. and Mary Eulalia Duddy.
He graduated from South Portland High School and briefly attended Bowdoin College before serving in World War II as a Quarter Master in the Navy.
After the service, he returned to Bowdoin and graduated in 1944.
His love of music led him to New York City where he worked for a short time at Radio City Music Hall.
In 1954 he married Elisabeth “Betty” Greely and eventually moved back to South Portland to raise their family.
He worked for Chevron Oil Company before joining Aetna Life & Casualty Company until he retired in 1980.
His love of sports began in high school playing baseball and basketball, and continued throughout his life. An avid golfer at Willowdale of Scarborough, he was known as “The Wedgeman.”
He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends who appreciated his dry sense of humor.
He was a member of the Elks Club of Portland and a lifetime member of Holy Cross Church.
His wife Betty and two brothers, Wilfred and Edward Devine predeceased him.
Surviving are his five children, John, Paul, Eulalia, E.J., Betsy and their spouses; eight grandchildren; his brother Bernard Devine, wife Anne and their extended families; and two nephews Christian and Michael.
Memorial services were held earlier this week.
Arrangements are by Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland.
Memorial donations can be made to The Susan Gibson Wing, c/o Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St., Portland ME 04102.
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