Andy H Devine

December 4, 1921 - November 16, 2018

Andy H. Devine, 96, died Friday, November 16th, 2018 Lawyer, State Representative, County Commissioner, Community Organizer, City Councilman, Judge, child advocate, parent activist…a beloved son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was born December 4th, 1921 in Shelby, Ohio and raised in a large family by strong, faith-filled parents (Rose and Dennis Devine). He overcame many obstacles early in life. His father worked in a factory 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. His family was poor materially, but rich in faith and love. He had dyslexia and was held back 2 years in elementary school. He left his family home at the age of 16 to enroll in seminary, a life that was disciplined, formative, and character building. In his early 20’s, he lost eyesight in his right eye from a detached retina. Despite his reading disability, he graduated from law school in 1948. Andy: an Irishman, stubborn, charismatic, honest, innovative, charming, bull-headed, determined, dogged, passionate, funny, intelligent, faithful, a man of integrity. He fought fiercely for children and parents (always “think parent” when helping a child). He loved history, opera, traveling, camping, hiking, swimming, politicking, Abraham Lincoln, oatmeal breakfasts, romaine salads, his favorite water glass, and above all, his family. He chose a strong, feisty woman, Lorene Hecker, to be his life partner. They celebrated their 65th anniversary on October 3rd. They raised six children: Patrick, Mimi, Jim, Paul, Laurie, and Jean; later Sophia Ross Lloyd joined the clan. The spouses or “outlaws” (in order) Cheryl (Armor) Devine, Mike Touhey, Kristine (Newbold) Devine, Sharon Mayne-Devine, Ed Jacob, Mark Spinazze and Mark Lloyd. Grandchildren: Kristina, Carolyn, Kerry, Kevin, Erin, Annie, John, Michelle, Paul, Teresa, Kathleen, Katherine, Anna, Henry, Nicole, Gayle, Julianna, Joe, Sarah. His 21 great grandchildren filled his heart with delight. He was profoundly grateful to God for the gift of life and the gift of family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Lourdes University (Sylvania, Ohio) or any other preferred charity that supports parents. Wake -November 23rd: 2-8pm Coyle Funeral Home 1770 S. Reynolds Road Toledo, OH 43614 Funeral Mass: 10:30 AM Saturday, November 24th Rosary Cathedral 2535 Collingwood Blvd “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child” - Forest E. Witcraf