Pat M. DeVita

Pasquale "Pat' M. DeVita, 90 of Dunnellon, Florida died on Thursday, November 11, 2010. Pat was born on Sunday, November 30, 1919 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to James and Mary (Marrone) DeVita. He grew up in Philadelphia and attended a catholic high school. Pat was a hard worker from very early on in his life. He began his career as a furniture mover, moved on to working for Westinghouse Electric Company and then in 1936, he started up Pat DeVita Painting Company. He was a charter member of the Hallendale Rotary Club.

Pat met and married Helen, his wife of 63 years before she passed on. Helen and Pat had the type of marriage that most people strive for. While they may have talked loudly to each other on occasion, there was never two people who loved each other more. Helen and Pat had three children; James J. DeVita and wife Lois, Edward DeVita and wife Jan, all of Dunnellon, Florida and daughter, Patricia Norteman and husband Sandy of Hallandale Beach, Florida; grandchildren, Debbie O'Connell of Dunnellon, Florida, Terry Fletcher and husband Wayne of Dunnellon, Florida, Nick DeVita and wife Ivy of Crystal River, Florida, Cindy Ieslin and husband Jon of Dunnellon, Florida, Jayme Conklin and husband Craig of Crystal River, Florida, Tim Norteman of Williston, Florida, James Norteman and wife Michelle of Hallendale Beach, Florida and Tom Robinson of Georgia; 12 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

As Pat's sons grew, they became involved in the painting business. In the early 60's, Pat DeVita painting proudly changes it's name to Pat DeVita and Sons Painting and Waterproofing. His first son, James worked side by side with him to promote and build the business. His second son, Edward became a firefighter with the City of Hollywood and also, helped to run the business. Together, they built the business into a well respected and prosperous venture. Several of their accomplishments include; the painting of the 'Queen Elizabeth' and of military bases in Puerto Rico, and both Fort Buchanan and Fort Brooke. Pat absolutely adored his daughter, Patricia. She could make him smile by simply, walking into the room. Patricia worked as a telephone operator for Southern Bell.

Pat was an avid fisherman. He could be found, on most weekends, leaving the dock by 8 AM. By 8:01, if you were not onboard the 'Rumbottom', you could look down the canal and see it heading out to the Gulf of Mexico. Once, he went out, he would not come back in until, the cooler was full or it was getting dark outside.

Pat believed in family values and that your family is your most valuable asset. He instilled those family values in his children and made sure they instilled them in their lives as well.

Pat was surrounded by his family and friends during his entire life. His faith was strong in both God and family. Pat, who was known as Pop Pop to all his family was blessed to have them by his side until the very end; when he lost his fight in this life. His family had the opportunity to say their goodbyes and they will always know that both Pop Pop and Grammy will be watching over them.

Visitation, Sunday, November 14, 2010 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM with a chapel service following at 3:00 PM at Fero Funeral Home, 5955 N. Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills, Florida 34465. Entombment at 3:30 PM at Fero Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Citrus County, P.O. Box 641270, Beverly Hills, Florida 34464.

Arrangements entrusted to Fero Funeral Home

www.ferofuneralhome.com