John Devoto
John Olen Devoto, 72, of St. Louis, Missouri, lost his long battle with cancer in the comfort of his own home surrounded by family on November 21, 2019.
John is survived by his wife Claire (Rittendale) Devoto of 46 years; daughter Billie (David) Roberts; son Jim (Kristin) Devoto; daughter Kate (Steve) Willick; grandchildren Claire, Colleen, John Patrick, Michael, Maggie, Lillian, Abbie, Noelle, and seven siblings. John was a loving and devoted brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all right up until the end.
John will be remembered by many as a super star athlete as he excelled in sports throughout his life. He served our country during multiple tours in Vietnam. He worked as a teacher and excelled as a coach. He was a positive example in the lives of so many and loved by all. His incredible toughness and compassion together gave him a uniqueness that is not often found.
John will be laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on November 27, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. A celebration of life memorial will also be held at CBC High School on December 15, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
Words don’t do justice for how much you mean to me. I could not ask for a better father, teacher, coach, and friend. I am who I am because of you. Your life was an inspiration to me and so many others. I will miss you forever, remember you often, and until we meet again I will live my life in honor of yours. Goodbye for now to the greatest man I will ever know.
Jimmy
You’re an loved admired friend and teammate!
JackMack
Who will ever forget John Devoto? I certainly won’t !
So sorry to hear about John’s passing.
I remember John as a superb athlete, a tremendous team mate, a rough and tough kid-always with a friendly smile. Just plain fun to be around.
No doubt that John passed along those traits to his family and to those he coached.
We will miss you John. Rest in Peace.
Mike Grady
What do you say about someone who has a smile that feels you with love. I pray that when Jesus calls the dead in Christ to rise I will see that smile again !
What a wonderful man and what an infectious smile. I am blessed to have known this man. He will be so missed.
John you were one of the best guys around. Great hope your dancing friend. Hugs to the family.
In recent years, John and Claire would come out to Balducci Vineyards for lunch during the week. They would always bring good
friends and we had some great talks about John’s adventures over the years. Sometimes the stories were even true!!
Not long ago, John brought a cassette tape of the CBC / SLUH game in 1963. I got a chance to listen to part of it and John was
still pumped about that great victory! John made some great tackles to hold SLUH out of the end zone numerous times.
I’m so glad he got to re-live that wonderful accomplishment to enable the Cadets to go 27 & 0.
The truth is that John’s greatest victory was his LIFE!! What a humble, wonderful teacher, coach, and person. We love you John.
Rick Balducci
Steve and I send our love and sincere sympathy to the entire Devoto family.
John and Claire have been our friends for 48 years. John was a wonderful man, husband, son, father, brother and friend to many.
John gave his all to everything he did. John’s integrity and excellent character were on display in every game, project, challenge and in his daily work. John loved his family with all his heart. He was so kind to all his friends and neighbors. We will always remember his
Spirit of Generosity. John’s light will shine on for generations to come in his children and his grandchildren. We will always remember you, John. We love you! God bless you!
The Bill Belcher family extends their deepest sympathy to all of the family. It is a very difficult thing to watch your husband and father struggle so much. You are all in our prayers.
Sending my love. What a great man!
In the 50+ years I’ve known you, John Devoto, no one could light up a room like you.
We are all better for having known you.
John leaves a legacy of brotherhood –
he was always a man who cared about others. As a parent, teacher, coach, soldier, friend, advisor and friend to many, you could depend on John to be there when he was needed.
His nickname was ‘midge’ in high school, but his stature was huge. Undersized but never overmatched – his heart and toughness belied his physical size. Extremely competitive, willing to do the work, no shortcuts, always up to the task and expected you to be also.
I’m glad that we were classmates and teammates – his name will always resonate with us and his legacy will be preserved.
Eternal rest grant unto him !!!
Terry Michler
I feel very fortunate to have known John. He had an infectious smile and always made you feel welcome.
John and Claire had come by and spent the day with my family the day my dad had passed. I can’t tell you how much their company meant to me on that difficult day. He was such a kind and caring man, and he’ll be missed.
Meeting John the first time my Freshman year of High School, he led a life to be admired. Great athlete and for sure, always a friendly and enjoyable man. Our daughters each attended St. Joe Academy and it was fun seeing John at school activities. The world is a better place because of you John. Rest In Peace!
Such a nice man and such a beautiful family. I am so sorry for your loss.
I was very young when I worked with John as a first year teacher/coach at CBC. He was a great example to me in my life as I went forward. I have fond memories of my time with him at CBC. John and Claire were so kind to myself and new wife Beth. My deepest sympathy goes out to Claire. I am sorry for your loss. God bless you.
We are truly blessed to have known John. His courageous battle for life and devotion to Claire and his family inspired all of us. John and Claire have been valued good friends for many years. Whether it’s meat loaf at Ridge Line Drive or our regular guys-against-the-gals gin rummy games, our times together were always full of fun. His generous heart and kindness enriched everyone who knew him. We’ll miss you, John.
John had a positive impact on every member of our family. You lead a beautiful life, John, and you will never be forgotten.
Our sincere condolences to the entire Devoto family. Despite any and all family antics John always had a smile and sense of humor. Godspeed to heaven.
While I knew John had been sick, this news came as a complete surprise. We’ve lost one of the really “good guys”. John Devoto was a man of great character with the utmost integrity and one great football coach. We had some wonderful times together back in the 70’s and made the Wishbone offense at CBC something copied by quite a few other schools. Make no mistake, it was John that was the principle driver behind all of that. In truth, he made me better both as a man and a coach. So now his pain is gone and he’s moved on to what we all look forward to one day. God will certainly welcome him as one of those people who did their best each and every day to make life better for everyone he came in contact with.
John and I were colleagues at CBC in the 70’s. As a fellow teacher and coach he educated me in the rich tradition of the school. He was truly a great example of what it meant to be a “Brothers boy” Over the years, our families shared many happy occasions. To Claire and family, we send our heartfelt sympathy. May God bless John.
If you knew John, you loved him. If you didn’t, you would have loved him. Kind, open, respectful, and positive; and that warm smile. John really was one of the greats.
Claire, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I am praying that God will wrap you in his loving arms and give you his peace.
My heartfelt condolences to the family of John Devoto. He and Claire have given me a wonderful grandson, Jimmy, In his marriage to my granddaughter, Kristin, and of course two beautiful great granddaughters, Abbie and Noelle. My prayers to all.
I have many fond memories of coach Devoto during my years as a student manager for the football team. I enjoyed Mr. Devoto’s drafting class and all the time we spent together during my high school years! So, sorry to hear this news. John left us too soon. God Bless Claire & all the family during this difficult time. Peace be with you.
Claire,
Our sympathy to you and your family. May you find comfort, peace and understanding during this time of the loss of John.
Doug and Sue Hippler
Claire and Family,
I enjoyed working with John at Grants Farm. He always treated everyone kindly and welcomed everyone with a big smile. He will be missed. Kathy and I want to express our sympathy to you, Steve, Kate and your entire family. God Bless!
Tony and Kathy Forcelledo
Johnny D,having grown up at the DeVoto house in the 60s Millie’s boy Johnny D was a tremendous role model his infectious positive attitude and direct demeanor had a long lasting effect on all of us. Johnny D will be missed by many but never forgotten. KT St Roch Class of “68”
As a freshman football player I remember always aware of my size, I thought that would limit my future. I remember so well while watching #22 he was my inspiration, he soon became the person & player I looked up to & wanted to be most like. John was a class act , in every way!
Steadfast, caring, loyal and always, fun-loving. John’s smile was a mile wide and and his heart was even deeper. He was selfless and kind, authentic in every respect.
If the true test of success is measured by the love of one’s family and friends, John passed with flying colors.
Frank and I send our love and heartfelt condolences to Claire, Billie, Kate, Jim and the entire Devoto family.
When John moved into St. Roch’s parish in 1959, everyone in the neighborhood was buzzing that “Superman” had just moved in to the neighborhood. This “Superman” turned out to be a real Superman but not just for his strength and early physical maturity and prowess. John went on to lead St. Roch’s to its first parochial football league championship. John was a super athlete and continued to be a “super” person and lifelong friend to me and many others who came to know him as a coach, teacher, mentor, or simply a “friend.” John, we all will miss you and want to thank you for being such a good friend and adding so much to our lives.
My heart goes out to Claire and Billie, Jimmy, Kate, and all the family. At this very difficult time. I am just a neighbor around the corner Who has known Claire and John and watched this beautiful family grow over the years. I know the pain as I have experienced it myself and so I’m sending prayers up for all the family . Holiday time is so hard to go through the loss. I lost parents at this time and Bob The day after Christmas . The loving bond you have with family and good friends is strong enough to support you now and in times to come . I send heartfelt condolences for your loss of this great man and prayers for. Lov.e, Comfort peace and understanding . God Will bless you, and your memories will live on and always be there for you,.
Claire and family,
Working with John at Grant’s Farm was always a pleasure and always made the day more enjoyable. Both the guests and fellow employees loved John and we will miss dearly. Thoughts and prayers to you and yours.
Steve Friess
As Jimmy’s classmate and friend, I was fortunate to have Mr. Devoto as a coach and role model at an early age. Looking back now, I realize just how much time and energy he selflessly gave so his children and their friends could thrive. I appreciate everything he taught me and the fine example he set in finding that balance between competing to win and having fun at the same time. There are many lessons to pass along to kids through sports, and in that area John Devoto excelled.
During this difficult time, we send our deepest sympathies, prayers and support to Claire, Billie, Jimmy, Kate and the entire Devoto family.
Claire and family,
When working with John, he was always the guy who would go the extra mile for the team, do what was best for the company and for others, and give 110%. He helped us all laugh, too! While I did not now John during his days as a star athlete, it sounds like he exhibited these same qualities on the field/court.
I was saddened to hear of your loss at mass at Ste Genevieve. You are in our thoughts as prayers.
Jim Stecher
Mark Keaney hit the nail on the head – John was an inspiration in those latter years at St Roch. Condolences to all.
Pop, you are forever my biggest role model. I’ll never forget the many dierbergs ice cream runs and games of go-fish. You taught me to have fun and live life without worry or regret. Thank you for your smile and making life a happy thing always.