Patrick Ronald Devaney

Patrick Ronald “Pat” Devaney, lover of life and adventure, passed away in the early morning hours on October 25, 2023, at his seaside home in Shell Beach, Ca. He was 91 years old.

Originally from the borough of Queens, New York, Pat was born on August 31, 1932, to Bartley Francis Devaney and Jean Owens Devaney. During his youth, Pat was educated at St Ann’s by the Marist Brothers order of the Catholic Church, where he developed a curiosity for history and geography. He was inducted into their Wall of Fame in 1996 for his track and field achievements, including holding a ten-year high jump record of six feet.

His enthusiasm for adventure and travel began when he was stationed in North Africa while serving in the US Navy during the Korean war. After he returned home, Pat moved west where he received a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Arizona State University. Not one to let too much grass grow beneath his feet, Pat moved his family to Los Angeles. Throughout the years, he lived on both coasts with his family and delighted in traveling the world.

An active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 53 years, Pat sponsored and supported dozens, if not hundreds, of men and women maintain sobriety. He embodied the guiding principles of AA to live one day at a time, and to live and let live. The fellowship of AA was his foundational support while he experienced the highs and lows of his life.

An Irish rebel who lived by his own rules and an entrepreneur at heart, he started several companies. His final and most successful business, Sunset North Car Wash, brought him from Los Angeles to the Central Coast where he was surrounded by its peaceful natural beauty.

Pat’s Irish Catholic heritage provided him a traditional yet unconventional approach toward life.

He was a dynamic man who pursued life with a fearlessness that was a testament to his indomitable spirit. His charismatic personality and engaging storytelling made it impossible to forget him. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, good looks, hip fashion sense, and his many and often, funny misadventures that made for a life well lived!

May the wind always be at your back, Pat. You will be missed by many, near and far.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, and mother of his four children, Grace Ann Devaney in 1976.

He is survived by his partner, Jackie Pezzulo, his four children Patricia, Bartley (Jessica), Barbara (Bill), Erin (Mike), five grandchildren Matthew, Grace, Claire, Kaitlyn, and Ryan, and two great grandchildren Lukas and Noah.

He is also survived by his sister Maureen Sullivan, sister in-law Agnes Corenza (Dan), cousins Terrance Randall and Kathleen Knapp, and nieces Maryanne, Meghan, Jennifer, Suzanne, and nephew John.

A celebration to honor his life will be held March 29, 2024, in Shell Beach.

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