DEVANEY John Francis, age 77, of Emerson, NJ passed away March 17, 2017. He was born on May 17, 1939 in NYC, New York. He worked for the NYC Department of Sanitation. He is survived by his wife Anne; his six children, Eileen Mueller; Cathleen Harvey; John "Jack" (Eileen); Michael; Elizabeth (Andy) Roberts; Regina (Neil) Ewers; and his eleven grandchildren, Jared; Ryan; Rachel; Tara; Jack; Ella; Cassie; Nolan; Graham; Kieran; and Anna. John Devaney, known to his family and friends as 'Big Jack', passed away on March 17, 2017, St. Patrick's Day. Jack had expressed the belief that he would make it until his 78th birthday on May 17th, knowing how much it would mean to his family to be able to celebrate his birthday with him, one more time. Unfortunately, that desire remained unfulfilled, but his family found some small comfort in his passing on St. Patrick's Day. Jack was born in NYC and had a life-long interest in, and a love of, all things Irish. That interest found it's greatest expression in his enduring love, and appreciation for, his wonderful wife Anne. Anne was the absolute light of his life, which he told her often – when he wasn't busy joking with her or teasing her. Anne will find solace in the certainty of his love for her, the memories they shared and the loving, happy family they created together. Family and friends were Jack's primary focus during his life. He also enjoyed travel and reading. Reading extensively broadened his world almost as much as travelling did. Jack was a tall man with a larger-than-life personality and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Thank you to the staff at Alaris at the Chateau, and the Hackensack University Medical Center, especially the hospice staff at HUMC. The family appreciates all Jack's friends and colleagues who visited him during his illness, especially his close friend John Ardizone. The memory of a good person is a blessing. Proverbs 10:7 The family will receive their relatives and friends at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, West-wood, NJ on Monday, March 20 from 2-7PM. The Funeral Mass celebrating John's life and faith will be held at Church of the Assumption, Emerson, NJ on Tuesday, March 21 at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, it would be most meaningful to Jack, to make donations to your local food bank or homeless shelters. Becker-funeralhome.com