Published July 26, 2019
STONEHAM — John L. Devereaux, 90, of Stoneham, died July 21, 2019.
Born in West Roxbury on April 24, 1929 to Clarence Frances and Mary Loretta (Taylor) Devereaux of South Boston.
John graduated from Boston Latin High School in 1946. After graduating, John enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country honorably during WWII. Following the war John furthered his education at the Lowell Technological Institute where he served as Class President his Junior and Senior years before graduating in 1953. John married Margaret Anne Duffy in 1958 and they spent 31 years of marriage together before Margaret’s passing in 1989.
John was a member of the American Legion of Stoneham as well as a lifetime member of the 210 Associates. He served as the Vice President of Boston Shoe Associates and as the President of Boston Leather Trade Benevolent Society. He sold leather to manufactures throughout New England for seven decades and in later years worked at Watertown Ford.
He was the beloved husband of 31 years to the late Margaret A. (Duffy) Devereaux. Loving father of Mary Ellen Devereaux, Anne F. McAllister and her husband Robert, and John L. Devereaux, all of Stoneham. Proud grandfather of Maggie, Elise and Robert McAllister, all of Stoneham. Brother of Mary Holmes and her late husband Eugene of Franklin, Delores and Jack Gerah, Robert and Katherine Devereaux, Ellen and Bob Davis, all of Naples, Fla., and the late Richard Devereaux. Brother-in-law to the late Mary Jane Igo and the late Robert Duffy and his wife Karen of Marshfield. Best friend of 80+ years to Kevin McArdle of Scituate. Also survived by several Godchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visiting Hours will be held on Sunday, July 28 from 2-6 p.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. Funeral procession from Gately Funeral Home on Monday, July 29, at 9 a.m. followed by a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose. Interment with Military Honors following the Mass at Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Melrose Veteran’s Fund, Attn: Veteran’s Office, 562 Main St. Melrose, MA 02176 or to American Legion Post 115, 11 Common St. Stoneham, MA 02180. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com
