Obituary of Robert Verne Devitt

Age 73, passed away at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center on April 15, 2023 due to the ravages of dementia.  Bob was born in Elmira to the late Genevieve (Dandrea) and Edward Devitt, the youngest and last surviving of 3 children.  In addition to his parents he was also predeceased by his brother Edward, sister Gloria, sisters-in-law Kathryn Lynch, Linda Lynch and Regina Hanson. 

Bob is survived by his beloved wife Sylvia Lynch Devitt whom he married on August 9, 1969.  He is also survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Robert James and Melanie Devitt of Columbia Falls MT with their children, Genevieve Kate and Samuel Edward Devitt …Anthony Joseph and Mellisa Devitt of Arcade NY with their children, Isabella, Chloe and Jack Devitt; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Susan and Michael Kratochvil of Milton DE, Mary Claire Lynch of Elmira, Russell Hanson of Lake Wood Ranch FL; several nieces and nephews with their spouses; several grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins.

Bob was a 1967 graduate of EFA and a 1969 graduate of Alfred State College where he was president of his fraternity – Gamma Theta Gamma.   He served his country by enlisting in the Naval Reserves and served on active duty for part of that time aboard the USS Du Pont stationed in Norfolk VA.   During his working career Bob was employed at American Bridge Works, Trayer Products and retired form Hilliard Corporation as Plant Manager in 2007.  While working full time Bob earned his Bachelor’s Degree -Summa Cum Laude - from the SUNY College of Technology at Utica in 1989.

Bob enjoyed being a basketball official for the CYO league and area high schools throughout the area for several years.  He was an avid New York Yankee fan and proudly wore his Yankee cap often.  Anyone who knew Bob understood that he was mechanically inclined and could fix/repair anything.  Sylvia and Bob owned property overlooking Keuka Lake for many years.  One only had to step foot on and walk the property line to know that Bob took great pride in their 5 acres of paradise.  He enjoyed deer hunting on that property for many years.  Bob, Sylvia, their sons and beloved dog Cahill also enjoyed boating on the lake for many years. 

He was an avid vegetable gardener, taking great pride in his home-grown garlic and other vegetables.  Bob put a unique spin on how his garden was displayed and maintained. 

Per Bob’s wishes private services will be held with Bob’s cremains being placed at Woodlawn National Cemetery.   The Devitt family would like to offer a special thank you to the following …. The Hope Respite Program at Hope Lutheran Church in Arcade NY, to Mary Klotz, Frances Tarby and Sue Padgett for their expert home care giving  … to Bob’s medical team; Dr. Steven Greenberg, Sherrie Smart - Neurology NP, Dr. Kim Kaffenbarger and the Palliative Care team … the nursing staff of 4B at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center for their compassionate care.  Sylvia would also like to give special recognition to her sons, RJ and Anthony and their families for the loving support and help caring for Bob.  The family gratefully declines flowers.  Those wishing may honor Bob with a donation to Southern Tier Basketball Officials Association, c/o Michael McCawley, 3 Westwind Road, Horseheads NY  14845.