William F. DeVoe, MD

William F. DeVoe, MD, a deeply devoted husband, father, and revered pediatrician who dedicated his life to the service of his country, his faith, and his community, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026.

Born in Bradford, Pennsylvania, Dr. DeVoe possessed a brilliant mind and an exceptional athletic spirit from a young age. He attended Johns Hopkins University on a full academic scholarship for his undergraduate studies, where he excelled both in the classroom and on the court, ultimately serving as the captain of the university’s basketball team. It was during his time at Johns Hopkins that he married his eighth-grade sweetheart, Nancy F. Devoe, beginning a 56 year lifelong partnership of deep devotion and love.

Following his undergraduate success, he earned another full scholarship to Philadelphia University, where he achieved his medical degree.

Upon graduating, Dr. DeVoe was drafted into the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, beginning a chapter of extraordinary military service. Assigned to serve with the United States Marine Corps, he was sent to Pensacola, Florida, to train as a naval flight surgeon. Once deployed to the front lines in Vietnam, he served as a helicopter Medical Evacuation Doctor, flying into danger with the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362, famously known as the "Ugly Angels." Upon returning to the United States, he served his remaining three years of duty stationed in California before receiving his honorable discharge.

Returning home to Maryland, Dr. DeVoe completed his pediatric residency at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore. He went on to care for generations of local families as a beloved pediatrician in the Baltimore County community for 45 years. His leadership and expertise led him to become the Chief of Pediatric Medicine at St. Joseph Hospital in Towson, a position in which he faithfully served and guided the hospital’s medical community for 25 years.

Beyond his monumental professional achievements, Dr. DeVoe found his true sanctuary in his faith. A deeply devout Catholic, he was a pillar of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hydes, Maryland, where he was a dedicated parishioner for 54 years.

He was a man of diverse passions and sharp intellect. He was an avid tennis player who could frequently be found playing spirited singles and doubles matches at the Hillendale Country Club, where he was a long-time member. His love for horses led him to own and operate Thornridge Racing Stables and Marphe Racing Stable- the latter proudly named after his beloved daughters, Margo and Phoebe. He also possessed a keen eye for history and craftsmanship as an avid collector of antiques, most notably antique clocks.

Above all else, Dr. DeVoe was a family man. He was a great father and a cherished husband who poured his heart into his home and took immense pride in his children. His legacy of healing, bravery, and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of his family and the countless children he cared for throughout his life.

Dr. DeVoe was the loving husband of the late Nancy F. DeVoe for 56yrs.; beloved father of Margo A. DeVoe and her husband Mike Gnall, Phoebe M. DeVoe and her husband Charles Moore, IV, and the late David W. DeVoe,; brother of Donald DeVoe, and the late Mary Beth DeVoe.

The family will receive friends at the LEMMON FUNERAL HOME OF DULANEY VALLEY INC., 10 W. Padonia Road (at York Road) Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 4PM to 7PM.

Dr. DeVoe’s life will be celebrated at the Chapel of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 13305 Long Green Pike, Hydes, Maryland 21282 on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 10AM.

Interment the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed in Dr. DeVoe’s memory to Alheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17 Chicago, Illinois 60601