John Joseph Devine Jr. passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 surrounded by his family at the age of 76. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judith Marie (nee Flanagan), his daughter Deborah and her husband Richard Kiel, sons John, his wife Stephanie, Brian and his wife Anna, eight grandchildren, Ryan, Payton, Katherine, Colin, Isabella, Trevor, Jessica and Elizabeth, many nieces and nephews.

Born on March 12, 1942, in Brooklyn, NY, Mr. Devine graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York in 1963 and later in life he received the Outstanding Professional Achievement Award from his alma mater. While at the Merchant Marine Academy, he was a cadet on merchant ships and after graduation, he was a seagoing ships officer in the merchant marine. He received his law degree from St. John’s Law School in 1969, and combined his legal background and love of the seas in the field of admiralty law.

John started his legal career at Kirlin, Campbell & Keating, was a partner for almost two decades at the law firm of Poles, Tublin, Patestides & Stratakis (now known as Poles, Tublin, Stratakis & Gonzalez LLP), retired as Vice President Claims for Thomas Miller (Americas) Inc, Managers of the UK P&I and Defence Club and was actively involved as a member of the Society of Maritime Arbitrators until his passing.

Mr. Devine was a Captain in the United States Navy Reserves, serving for over 25 years.

In his retirement in Cranbury, NJ John loved golfing, spending as much time with his family as possible, travel and reading mystery novels. He made the world a better place having lived a life of faith with integrity, dignity and honor, always mixed with a great sense of humor. Those who were fortunate enough to know him are better for it.

His family plans to hold a private service celebrating his life at the Merchant Marine Academy Chapel, Kings Point after which he will be buried at sea.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

US Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Foundation Inc.

in memory of John J. Devine Jr. (KP63)

300 Steamboat Road, Kings Point, NY 11024.

Affiliations

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  United States Merchant Marine Academy
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  US Navy Reserve