Obituary of Coach Robert N. Deveau

Danielson - Robert N. Deveau, "Coach" of Danielson, formerly of Putnam and Bridgeport, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at home and has joined his mother and father. Born May 17, 1935, the 4th son of Lawrence and Jeanne (Hitt) Deveau. Upon graduation he joined the US Marine Corps. After basic training, he went to Military Law School in Newport, RI. He served as a court reporter in the legal offices at Cherry Point, NC. Robert was honorably discharged in 1956. Upon discharge he enrolled at the University of Bridgeport where he received a BS in Health and Physical Education. He also received his Masters Degree from SCSU. Robert began his teaching career at Notre Dame High School in Fairfield and was the first layman to be appointed Athletic Director. He coached football and track. After 10 years he went to Maloney High School in Meriden for one year, where he taught and coached football, then to Putnam High School in 1972, where he retired from in 1997. While there, he coached football, baseball, golf and was assistant girls basketball coach. He was a lifetime member of the National Football Coaches Assoc., CT High School Coaches Assoc., National Education Assoc., CT Education Assoc. and the USGA Partners Club. He leaves his daughters: Lyn Stokes of Central Village, Janniece Zinsky of Putnam, Lori Ann Deveau of Danielson, his son: Robert Deveau, Jr. of Newtown, his brother: Leonard Deveau of Wyoming, RI, , his sisters: Gloria Tracy of Whiting, NJ, Julie Rawson of Phoenixville, PA, his grandchildren: Mandi and Robb, Eve, Luke III, Hannah and Ethan, Nick, Ryan and Emily, Joshua, great grandchildren Alex and Lani, Keri, Ramiro, Eva, Alicia, Zachary and McKenzie, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers George Deveau and Larry Deveau. Calling hours will be Friday, March 22, 2013 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 11:00 AM, at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence Street, Putnam, meeting directly at church. Burial with full Military Honors will be in St. Mary Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the "Coach Bob Deveau Scholarship Fund", c/o Citizens National Bank, PO Box 6002, Putnam, CT 06260. To share a memory with his family, "Light a Candle" at www.smithandwalkerfh.com