Richard F. DeVine

Richard DeVine, 85, of Plainville, husband of the late Sandra (Theriault) DeVine, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 22, 2026. Richard lived a life defined by love, laughter, hard work, and the simple joys that made every day meaningful.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on December 21, 1940, he was one of four children to the late Donald and Mary (Trexler) DeVine, and was raised and educated in Hartford. 

For 57 years, he shared a beautiful marriage with the love of his life, Sandra. Together, they built a life in Plainville, raising their three sons and creating countless memories that spanned from the front porch or backyard pool of their Kent Street home to destinations around the world. Though they enjoyed traveling and experiencing new places, some of Richard’s happiest moments were right at home.

Richard's work ethic was unmatched. Beginning at just sixteen years old, he spent a lifetime in the produce business, working for several grocery stores throughout Connecticut before retiring as Produce Manager at Regional Market in New Haven. He found a second career driving for DATTCO, a job he truly loved. Whether transporting sports teams or greeting students each day, Richard cherished the relationships he built with his young passengers, and the affection they returned to him made those years especially rewarding.

A true people person, Richard had a way of making everyone feel like an old friend. Kindhearted and endlessly good-natured, he was a lovable goofball whose corny sense of humor and easy smile brightened every gathering. He enjoyed golf, antique cars, spending time outdoors, and was a devoted sports fan who faithfully cheered on UConn basketball, the New York Giants, the Boston Red Sox, and the Boston Celtics.

Among his many talents was his legendary grilled cheese sandwich, perfected over the years and enjoyed by his family with great appreciation. Yet his proudest role was being "Grandpa." Blessed with granddaughters, the girls he always hoped for, Richard embraced every hug, every laugh, and every opportunity to spoil them. They brought immeasurable joy to his life, and he treasured every moment spent with them.

Above all, Richard will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father, adoring grandfather, loyal friend, and a genuinely good man whose warmth and humor made life better for those around him.

He is survived by his sons, Donnell DeVine, and Robert DeVine and his wife Susan; his granddaughters, Shawna Dominique and her husband Gary and Alicia St. Jean and her husband Jordan; his great-grandchildren, Owen and Brielle; his sister Elizabeth Olson; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends, including his lifelong best buddy, Ron Jablonski.  He was predeceased by his son Keith, and his brothers Donald and Harold.

Family and friends may gather on Thursday July 2, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville.  Words of remembrance will be shared at 6:30 p.m.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit http://www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

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