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Celebrates

Ed Devlin celebrates the Notre Dame Fightin’ Irish National Championship in 1989.  Notre Dame beat West Virginia for the championship at the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix.  Devlin, one of Notre Dame’s most ardent fans, died on Oct. 31.

 

By Ron P. Coderre

Ed Devlin was a quiet yet outspoken person in life, if that makes sense.  Devlin’s death on Monday, October 31 saddened not only his family but also his many friends, teaching acquaintances and former students.  He died following a brief but difficult yet courageous battle with cancer.

The thing in life that Devlin was most outspoken about was his love and understanding of the University of Notre Dame and its football program.  As an ardent follower and supporter of The Irish myself, Devlin would put me to shame with his insights, historical background and understanding of Our Lady’s university and its beloved Fightin’ Irish.

He was adamant about his opinions regarding coaches and players and didn’t always agree with game strategies but one thing was certain, no matter his feelings he was loyal to Notre Dame.  

Someone related a recent story regarding his love of Notre Dame.  Hopefully this depiction of what occurred is totally accurate.  In his last few days Devlin lapsed in and out of consciousness from the effects of his illness and his medication.  On one occasion as he regained consciousness the first question he asked his wife Jo Ellen, who stood faithfully by his bedside was, “Did you tape the Notre Dame game?” 

Devlin was a man of many interests in addition to the lure of Notre Dame.  A graduate of King’s College in Pennsylvania, Devlin was an English teacher at Tourtellotte Memorial High School.  He wasn’t simply an English teacher; he was an English teacher “par excellence.”

According to one of his former students, who related this story with a tear in his eye, “Mr. Devlin didn’t just lecture, he taught.  He involved his students in English and literature, which is not an easy task with teenagers.  He had us so involved that we all ended up loving Shakespeare because of how he presented the topic.  I’ll always remember Mr. Devlin.”

Ed Devlin was a surprising individual.  His quiet demeanor never gave away the fact that he was an instructor for the Scotti School of Defensive Driving.  This program is one of screeching tires, squealing brakes, hairpin turns and elusive misdirection spin arounds.  In other words, this is the stuff of James Bond movies.  And this was the type of driving Devlin taught to people who chauffeur celebrities, diplomats, politicians and others important individuals who might get caught in precarious situations.

Active in community activities that benefit the less fortunate and needy, Devlin spent many hours volunteering with the CT Mobile Food Pantry and Daily Bread in Putnam.  A devout Roman Catholic, he could be found at weekend Mass at St. Mary of the Visitation Church where he served as a lector and commentator.

A devoted husband to his wife Jo Ellen and loving father to his son Sean and daughter Jennifer, Devlin was especially proud of the fact that Jennifer was a graduate of St. Mary College in South Bend, Ind., the sister school of the University of Notre Dame.

Ed Devlin’s affliction took him from his family and friends too quickly.  He’s now gone to his eternal rest and is likely among noted Notre Dame greats such as Knute Rockne, The Gipper, Frank Leahy, Father Ted Hesburgh, Johnny Lattner and Father Sorin.

In typical Devlin fashion, his memorial card features his photo in his Notre Dame jacket and the ND alma mater song.  Rest in peace, Ed and Go Irish!