John Devenney Sr.

John Paul Devenney Sr. Judson Wiley Office Manager for 44 YearsJohn Paul Devenney Sr., 75 of Washington, PA and Winter Haven, FL, went to be with the Lord, on September 26,2017, in the Donnell House, surrounded by his loving family. John was born on May 9, 1942, in Washington, PA, the son of the late William Henry and Ruth Morris Devenney.He was a graduate of Trinity High School and Penn Commercial with a degree in Business and Management. John also was a member of the first class of the Washington Presbytery Academy to complete the Advanced Leadership and Lay Preacher’s Training. John was in the United States Army Reserve, serving with the 429th Army engineering Battalion. Mr. Devenney was employed as the office manager for Judson Wiley for forty-four years. John was employed as a cashier at the Home Depot until his recent illness. He was also a lay preacher in the Washington Presbytery and had preached as a pulpit supply at various churches over the years. John was also known for his “Woodcrafts by John Paul” and the “Delightful Dips” business that he and his wife Nancy ran together.John has been a member of the Fourth Presbyterian Church in Washington, PA for fifty-four years, having both joined the church and been baptized on June 30, 1963. John has served the church as the President of the Corporation, Elder, Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and teacher. He was in charge of rally day for many years, having it at his house, which eventually turned into the Gospel music rally. John was the church’s activity director for many years, planning Christmas parties, and other social events, including cruises and bus trips for members of the congregation. John is well known for his “card ministry”. He made the cards himself with personal messages and sent them to someone in the church who was ill or going through a difficult time. John’s strong faith in God was a constant theme throughout his life and an ever present comfort and source of strength and peace during his illness.John volunteered at the Washington Hospital and Tylerdale Food Pantry. In the wintertime, he went to Florida where he was an associate member of the Winter Haven Christian Church. There, he was involved as a member of the mission and outreach program called “Feed the Ridge,” a group working together to fill local food banks.The light of John’s life was his grandchildren. He loved going to see them in their sporting events, or traveling to Avella to see them with the band, or just sitting and playing cards with them.On November 7, 1964, John married his loving and devoted wife of fifty-three years, Nancy Mounts Devenney, who survives. Also surviving are three sons, John Paul Devenney, Jr. (Tamie) of Eighty Four, Jay Allen Devenney (Judy) of Washington and Jeffrey Wayne Devenney (Brandy) of Avella; nine grandchildren, Garrett, Matthew, Zachary, Benjamin, Jessica, Judson, Jacob, Noah and Emily; a brother, George Devenney (Carol) of Erie; and many loving nieces and nephews.Deceased, in addition to his parents are a brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Mary Ann Devenney and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Cephas and Ruth Mounts, with whom John was very close. Viewing will be held at William G. Neal Funeral Home in Washington, PA. Friday September 29,2017 from 3:00-9:00PM with the funeral services on Saturday September 30,2017 at 1:00PM at Abundant Life Baptist Church.