Jerome “Jerry” C. Devine

Jerome “Jerry” Devine, who would often refer to himself with a grin as “this Cowboy,” passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a family full of stories and a life that could never be described as ordinary.

Born on July 13th, 1936 in Media, Pa, Jerry was drawn to aviation from an early age. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. A gifted mechanic, pilot, and lifelong student of aviation, Jerry turned his passion into an extraordinary career. He was a certified ASE Master Automobile Technician, certified avionics technician, certified commercial airline mechanic, and certified commercial airline pilot. He spent 19 years with Eastern Air Lines before continuing his career with Air Transat and World Airways. As both a flight engineer and first officer, Jerry flew the McDonnell Douglas DC-9, the Boeing 727, and the Lockheed L-1011, earning the respect of those who worked alongside him.

Jerry’s love of flying never faded. Through Vector’s Flying Club, he enjoyed piloting his Grumman Cheetah and Grumman Tiger, happiest whenever he was back in the cockpit. Flying wasn’t simply what Jerry did—it was part of who he was.

Some of Jerry’s happiest memories were made on the waters of Big Lake in Grand Lake Stream, Maine, where he loved taking his boat out and enjoying the peaceful beauty of a place that held a special place in his heart. At home, life was simpler. He restored several classic Studebakers with painstaking care, loved riding his Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles, and took pride in bringing beautiful old machines back to life. At one time, he also raised horses, Ladybug and Windfire, another reflection of his adventurous spirit. He enjoyed stopping at Wawa, watching Fox News with his faithful Yorkie, Teddy, curled up beside him, and sharing stories that were almost always delivered with humor and more than a little volume.

For 67 years, Jerry shared a remarkable marriage with his wife, Janet. While stationed in England, he met Janet in Oxford after the two happened to share a table in a crowded restaurant. Their first meeting quickly became family legend when Jerry accidentally shut Janet’s finger in a train door as they were leaving. He wanted to call to check on her but her family didn’t have a phone. He asked for her address, she obliged. He came a few days later and that knock on the door marked the beginning of their journey together. They were married in England before Janet left her home and family to begin a new life with Jerry in the United States. Together they built a family, weathered life’s seasons, and remained steadfast companions through all that life brought their way.

Jerry was the proud father of Melissa, Chad, Chris, and Becky; grandfather of Courtney, Tyler, Lauren, Ricky, Kelly, Sara, Christine, Mallori, Lizzie, and Andrew; and great-grandfather of Max, Molly, Ezra, Declan, Mason, Walter and Liberty.

Jerry lived loudly and by his own rules. He wasn’t always the easiest man to know, but he was authentic to his core. His life was measured not only by miles flown or engines rebuilt, but by the family he helped create and the stories he gave them. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will forever remember a man whose personality filled every room, whose laughter was unmistakable and who was truly, larger than life. Those stories will bring laughter, and countless smiles—just as Jerry would have wanted.

He was preceded in death by his parents Florence B. Devine, and Charles Devine, his siblings Cheryl Michener, Jeannine Marinellie, LaVergne Clineff. He is survived by his brother Lee Devine.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 1st with a viewing at 9:30 a.m. followed by his Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. at The D’Anjolell Memorial Home of Frazer 392 East Lancaster Ave., Frazer, PA 19355. Followed by his Interment at Phila. Memorial Park.

If you were lucky enough to know Jerry, chances are you have a story about him. Tell it. Laugh at it. Pass it on. That’s how this Cowboy’s spirit will continue to ride on.

Donations may be made to Mercy Ships via >https://partner.mercyships.org/page/

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