CHARLOTTE — Deacon Patrick Joseph Devine III, aged 73, died Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, at his home with his loving wife Michele and four children by his side.
He was preceded in death by his mother Rose Mary McKeown and father Patrick Joseph Devine II; his sister Mary Joan; his brother Michael; and 4 unnamed siblings.
He was born July 27, 1947, and served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1970. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Syracuse University (Class of 1975). An active man to be around, he loved to ski, golf, do woodworking, and travel. He always called his family his greatest achievement in life of which he was most proud.
Deacon Devine was ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Albany, N.Y., on Oct. 4, 1986. During his 34 years of ministry as a permanent deacon, he also served for the dioceses of Orange and San Jose, Calif.
After relocating to the Charlotte area, Deacon Devine worked part-time for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and retired from the Transportation Security Administration Because of the time he spent at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, he asked the Diocese of Charlotte for an assignment in airport ministry. Soon afterwards, Deacon Devine was granted faculties and assigned as an airport chaplain.
Deacon Devine was a gentle and caring person who never met a stranger. He is going to be missed greatly by his family, friends and fellow airport chaplains, and all those who have traveled through the airport will always remember his kind words and helping hand.
Those left behind to cherish Deacon Devine’s memories and carry on his legacy are his loving wife of almost 52 years, Michele Denis Devine; his four children: son Jason Devine, and daughters Jennifer Hassing, Patricia Freeman and Janice von Trapp; and 13 grandchildren: Patrick Ryan, Dillon Michael and Connor Jay Hassing; Jayda Rose and Joseph Maximus Devine; Marcus Brian, Johanna Michele Tizita, Grayson Frank Joseph and Devin Patrick Freeman; and Reilly Rose, Reagan Michele, Ryan Harper and Jude Phillip von Trapp.
Interment was at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. A celebration of life event will be held at a later date when pandemic restrictions allow.
Deacon Devine, a supporter of St. Jude’s Hospital, has always believed no child should ever suffer from cancer and request that donations be made to St Jude’s in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be shared at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.
McEwen Funeral Service – Pineville Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald