Anthony M. Devoe

Age 88, of Ipswich, MA, formerly of Oxford, MA, died 25 September, 2019.  Tony was born on Staten Island, NY, to Octave and Margaret Devoe (nee Devine).   

As a child, his family moved back and forth between NYC, and the New Jersey countryside, where the family sharecropped on various farms.  As a young man, his travel to Ireland was cut short by the death of his mother, and he returned to the US.  During the Korean War, he enlisted in the Navy, working in communications, and rose to the level of Petty Officer FIrst Class.  Before becoming an educator, he worked in blast furnaces, tested jet engines, and worked as a cook

.He used the GI Bill to obtain his education, eventually earning a BS in Psychology from Clark University, MS in Mathematics  from Boston College, and completed coursework for his MS Computer Science at WPI.  At Clark, he met the love of his life, Shannon, who was getting her PhD in psychology.  They were married on December 28, 1962

  In 1976, Tony and Shannon moved the family to Oxford, MA, where Tony built a homestead of sorts in the woods of central Massachusetts.  He always had a large vegetable garden (his thumb greener than his Irish roots), cut wood to heat for the winter, and sold cordwood and vegetables to make ends meet. 

  His career as an educator began in Worcester, where he taught at the various colleges and prep schools there.  Over the years, he taught Math, Chemistry, Physics, and Computer science at the high school and college level.   He spent his longest stretch teaching at Sturbridge, MA, from which he retired in 1994.  

 Besides his employment, he had an active interest in politics and justice.  He was active in the Mass. Teachers Association union and picketed with Caeser Chavez.  He read voraciously, the latest news always on his mind.  He was never shy about letting his opinions be known.  He loved all things Irish, especially Irish Music.  He loved being out in the woods on a cold day with some kids and a dog.  But most of all, he loved his family and being a father.  He will be missed for his laughter, his wit, his advice and his good cheer.

He leaves his loving wife Shannon of 57 years and 3 children and their families:  his son Adam Devoe, married to wife Penny Devoe and their 3 children; his daughter Megan Foley, married to Jim Foley with their 2 sons; and his daughter Melanie Devoe, married to Kevin Lombardi with their 2 sons.  In addition, he is also survived by many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.  He will be missed.

A private service is planned to remember the good times and deeds of Tony’s life.  In lieu of flowers please donate to Ipswich IMADA - details at http://www.imadaonline.org/  or a charity of your choice.
  
 

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