Joseph Ambrose Devine

Joseph Devine, husband, father, sailor, businessman, dies at 78

Joseph Ambrose “Joe” Devine was born on January 24, 1942 in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Frances Viola Devine (née Nupson) and Ambrose William Devine.

Joe, together with his beloved younger brother Michael, had a happy childhood growing up on the banks of the Mississippi river, with icy winters spent playing the violin and glorious summers camping, fishing and learning the art of business; first as a fly-swatter for hire at the local tavern and then through summer-long games of Monopoly.

Joe joined the Navy at 17, serving in the Pacific Fleet aboard the U.S.S. Salisbury Sound out of San Francisco, California.Shortly after his discharge, Joe’s family felt that it was time for them to leave their Wisconsin home in search of a better life in booming California.

The move proved fortuitous as California is where Joe met Sandra, the love of his life and wife for 53 years. They were married in 1966 and began their life together moving frequently, living in 9 different states (some twice), as Joe worked his way up the corporate ladder.

During his successful career in the concrete construction industry, Joe went from shop’s clerk to CEO. But cancer cut his working life short at the age of 59 while he and Sandy were living in Juneau Alaska.

Joe loved work as much as he loved talking to people. He made friends wherever he went and would tell humorous stories to anyone who would listen. Joe’s unwavering sense of humor would see him through the toughest times in his life and bring joy to all who knew him.

Cooking was also a passion for Joe. He was equally happy being the generous host of company barbeques as he was frying up hash browns and pancakes for his grandkids. Joe was eternally curious and would tinker in his garden and woodworking shop, cigar clenched between his teeth. He also continued to play violin throughout his life and enjoyed composing music in his office surrounded by the memorabilia of his life, career, and family.

After years of traveling Joe and Sandy settled in the village of Spring Grove, Illinois to be close to family. Joe passed away peacefully on April 16, 2020 in their home surrounded by his family both near and far.

Joe will be sadly missed by his loving wife Sandra, his three children Lisa(Dave) Borbath, Jennifer(Henry) Filipek, and Mark(Åsa) Devine and his grandchildren Claire, Brandon, and Kevin Borbath; Rachael, Christian, and Ethan Filipek; and Simone, Isabella, and Eleanor Devine.

A rosary was said for the repose of his soul during a small private memorial service held on Saturday, 18 April, and a funeral Mass will be said at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial's in Joseph's name to the Illinois Right to Life, PO Box 511, Chicago, IL 60690-0511, www.IllinoisRightToLife.org, 312-422-9300, appreciated.

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