OBITUARY: Francis L. DeVita, 96

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Francis L. “Frank” DeVita, age 96, of Chelmsford, formerly a long-time Wilmington resident, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 17, 2024, from natural causes just a few weeks shy of his 97th birthday. He had his wits and his drive right to the end.

Frank DeVita was born in Charlestown, on March 15th, 1927, raised in Charlestown as one of five children of Luigi (born 1872) and Luigina DeVita (1890-ish). He was predeceased by his 4 siblings (Bill born 1911, Rose 1913, Jessie 1916, Gilda 1929). Frank graduated from Boston Trade School in 1945. (There he received his training as a machinist that would serve as a foundation for his livelihood for the following 68 years.)

Frank was a people-person with a colorful personality who enjoyed socializing with friends and meeting new people. He was often the life of the party at neighborhood gatherings and couples outings with his wife Barbara (Webster) DeVita and many church friends. Even up until 5 days before his passing he was playing Bingo in the activity room at Chelmsford Crossings with fellow residents. One of Frank’s best traits was his nice smile and contagious laugh. Frank could also be competitive at times and even display a little Italian feistiness on occasion. All of this likely helped him to reach his almost 97 years.

Frank (and Barbara) were fortunate to be raised by parents that taught them good ethics and values. In turn they passed these along to their children who are forever so grateful. Frank was the son of Italian immigrant parents. He didn’t speak English until 1st grade, so his older sisters Rose and Jessie often helped him with the language barrier and his school studies.

His Dad Luigi was injured on the job when Frank was only 3, which forced his older siblings to take on more responsibility until Frank could also contribute years later. Frank grew up quickly in more ways than one. (He was heavily bearded and started shaving at the age of 12.) At 14 his 1st job was serving ice cream at the local drug store. Frank was always very close to his family and extended family of DeVita’s in Charlestown and other parts of metropolitan Boston. He continued to prioritize this relationship for the rest of their lives and for the rest of his life. As a boy and young man he played CYO football and baseball, often playing the “big-guy” position as center and catcher. Frank had good memories of his Charlestown mostly-Irish friends that often kidded each other in fun.

Frank met his future (younger) bride Barbara Webster in 1953 in Everett, MA on a double-date where Barbara was matched up with the other guy! That didn’t go as planned though, as Frank’s humble and personable demeanor left an instant impression that swept her off of her feet…and the rest was history. The young couple of 22 & 26 years fell in love and were married 2 years later on June 5, 1955. They lived with Barbara’s Mom Eileen Webster in Somerville before moving to Wilmington in 1956 where they bought the final new home at 10 Lockwood Road. There they raised their 3 children Marianne, Frankie & Carol.

Lockwood Road is a small circle of 9 homes that evolved over the years into a community where the neighbors grew to be as close as family. Everyone looked out for each other, the kids were raised and played together, and bonds are still strong today almost 70 years later…truly an amazing place. Frank had a lot of pride and kept a nice yard. He was a great neighbor that would help fix or remake something that was broken. Frank was a handy man that loved to make things because it gave him great joy, not to mention saving a few bucks always made him smile.

Frank was a great Dad who spent time with his son and 2 daughters as they were growing up. Whether it was going to the school function, family vacation, spending summers at the camp at Locke Lake, or watching them compete in sports, he was there. Frank and his son Frankie were often building something together in the cellar, or at the camp. These relationships ultimately grew as the years went on, all the way to the end of his wonderful life.

As mentioned, Frank worked as a machinist (old-school) for an amazing 68 years! He began his career working at Boston Can Co and a couple of job shops, then proceeded to work for larger companies such as GE, Sylvania and Megapulse. He gained valuable experience working on many different types of precision metal cutting machines. He was typically a prototype machinist that worked in R&D. The engineers always liked to ask him for advice because, besides being a likable and humble guy, he was smart and was a library of practical knowledge and the many tricks of the trade. This knowledge was invaluable to the engineers for successful designs and builds. When he was around 70 years old he cut back from full time to 3 days a week. Then at about 80 years he cut back to 2 days a week until he was 85 in 2012. At that point he left (involuntarily) because things slowed down, but when they called him back a few months later he was enjoying the retired life too much and decided that he was truly done working.

Frank always continued as a family-first man. During the time of his semi-retirement years from 70 onward he cared for his aging sister and brother-in-law in Revere. He loved to spend time with his 7 grand kids from his 3 children. He used to drive to VT regularly to spend time with Frankie and Christel DeVita’s 3 girls Adrienne, Julienne & Josephine. He would frequently go to Arlington to see Marianne & Jeff Rawson’s daughter Melissa, and also out to Townsend to see Carol & Joe Biondi’s 3 children Aaron, Nicole and Justin. He was VERY PROUD of ALL of his children and grand children.

Rest in peace Dad, Papa, Big-Frank – we know you are up there working on the pearly gates!

Family and friends gathered for a funeral on Thursday, February 22nd, at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave, (Rt 62) Wilmington, at 9:00 a.m., immediately followed by a funeral mass at St. Thomas Church, 126 Middlesex Ave, Wilmington, at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow in Wildwood Cemetery Wilmington. Visiting hours were held on Wednesday, February 21st, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.