Neil Clark Devine's Obituary
Neil Clark Devine, 85, passed away January 13, 2021, from COVID-19 complications. Neil was born on August 13, 1935, in New York City to Joseph and Beatrice Devine. He grew up loving the Yankees and enjoying Babe Ruth’s weekly drives through his neighborhood. He worked at an ad agency with Bobby Darren and met Joe DiMaggio while playing stickball as a kid.
After graduating from Commerce High, Neil joined the Army and served two years in Germany. In his 20s, he moved to warm Florida, living in Winter Haven and Clearwater primarily. On St. Patrick’s Day 1984, Neil married the love of his life, Gail, at Grace Lutheran Church in Winter Haven. He took her three grown children into his heart. He found faith in Christ at 52 and later served as an elder at Grace and became a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Dunedin. Neil loved sports and played wicked games of basketball, golf, tennis and ping-pong. In league with Gail, he routinely clobbered his children and grandchildren in ping- pong deep into his 70s.
Most of all, Neil was a loving and beloved family man. He and Gail enjoyed ballroom dancing at the Cloister and the Clearwater Italian Club. They traveled and shared a loving, happy marriage. He pulled KP duty at family gatherings. Grandpa spent endless hours on the floor playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Neil is survived by his wife, Gail; his stepchildren Carol (Bob), Joe (Margaret), and Kim (Joe); grandchildren Heather (Casey), Catherine (Troy), Cecilia, Dean, Mary Virginia, Victoria, Anna, and Patrick; and great grandchildren Corey, Adelynn, David, and Luke. They will always remember his gentleness and kindness.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to the following organizations:
What’s your fondest memory of Neil?
What’s a lesson you learned from Neil?
Share a story where Neil's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Neil you’ll never forget.
How did Neil make you smile?