DEVILLE, DESMOND J.

Desmond John DeVille, 56, of Bristol died peacefully on Thursday, June 1st, surrounded by his brother, two sisters, and sister-in-law after a long illness. Des was born in Middletown on March 24, 1961, the first child of Dr. Desmond B. and Gloria DeVille. He was a proud graduate of Xavier High School in 1979 and of the University of Rhode Island in 1983. He excelled at track at both schools earning state championships and setting records, many of which still stand. Des joined the Air Force right out of college and served his country with honor and distinction for 15 years including his service in the CT Air National Guard. While in the Air Force and with the help of the GI bill, Des continued his education earning an MS in Aeronautical Engineering and a BS in Industrial Technology. Planes were Des’s passion and after leaving the Air Force he found extreme pleasure spending time flying as co-pilot with both his father and brother to stops all over New England. Des was the proudest of all fathers to his two sons, Desmond Christian and Adam Vincent, whom he deeply loved, always put first, and sacrificed every worldly possession for. Along with his sons, he is survived by his sisters Kathryn Vetrano and Violette LaRosa of Middletown, his brother Geoff DeVille and his wife Eileen of Durham, and eight nephews and nieces who loved him dearly; Vanessa and Daniel Vetrano; Audrey, April, and Alyssa LaRosa; and Geoffrey, Ryan, and Meghan DeVille. Des faced death the way he lived life--with courage, dignity, inner peace, and always with a gentle concern for others. Des was not one to seek attention or, when faced with difficulties, to ask why me. His heroism came from a natural tendency to put others first. He never asked anyone to share the burdens he carried, preferring to shoulder his crosses on his own. He was a living example of the Xavier motto “Be a man, a man like Jesus” - gentle, kind, giving, and selfless. The family would like to offer special thanks to the many people who showed acts of kindness toward Des throughout his ordeal; his caretaker, Kathryn Harkness, Lenore and Rob Robillard, and the nurses and staff at Village Green of Bristol Rehab & Health CenA ter and Seasons Hospice of CT. private service and burial with military honors will take place at the family’s convenience. Memorial contributions may be made in Des’s memory to the National Parkinson Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131. Biega Funeral Home has care of the arrangeor ments. To share memories express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.