William G. Devaney

William G. Devaney, 81, of Hyde Park, Reading, PA, departed on his final road trip to meet his Maker on Thursday, April 21, 2011, at the Reading Hospital and Medical Center. Born in Boston, MA, on June 3, 1929, he was the first-generation American son of Irish immigrants, the late William J. and Bridie (Reddington) Devaney.

He is survived by his loving wife and partner of 26 years, Virginia R. "Ginny" Devaney; a son, William A., husband of Beverly, Palm Beach Gardens, FL; two daughters, Mary C., partner of Virginia Shea, Acton, ME, and Laura J., wife of Howard Goldstein, Vacaville, CA; his sister, Patricia C. Carten, Norwood, MA; and three stepsons: Edward T. Dolan, husband of Robbin, Branchville, NJ; Randolph J. Dolan, Ventura, CA; and James R. Dolan, Reading, PA. In addition, he is survived by eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, John A. Devaney, of Framingham, MA.

Following his 1946 graduation from the High School of Commerce in Boston, Bill spent several years working on passenger steamboats between Boston and Nantasket Beach. In 1949, he began a career with the Merchant Marine which saw him working troop ships between NYC and Bremerhaven, Germany; serving as steam engineer aboard Esso oil tankers through the Panama Canal and along both coasts of South America; and delivering gas to military installations around the world. In his later career as a professional driver, he ran the Trailways of New England route between Boston and NYC, then drove 18-wheelers for Branch Motor Express, Lentz Milling and various other firms. Upon retirement, he worked part-time for Thomas/Austin Hardware and B&T Transportation.

Never content to stay still, Bill remained an avid walker and participated in Silver Sneakers at Albright College. He was a proud member of the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association, and International Brotherhood of Teamsters Locals 170 and 429. A music fan, his tastes ran to Celtic, tunes of the '30s-'40s, Lawrence Welk and marching music - particularly performed by the Ringgold Band. Aside from family and friends, Bill's greatest love was the sea. He never missed an opportunity to be on the water and, even recently, continued cruising with Ginny. In that regard, he also maintained affiliations with the Hull (MA) Lifesaving Museum and the Cousteau Society.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA. A visitation will be 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation in Bill's memory to either the American Lung Association of PA (3001 Old Gettysburg Road, Camp Hill, PA 17022) or the American Heart Association (610 Community Way, Lancaster, PA 17603). Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.