NORTHBOROUGH

Philip E. Devine, affectionately and respectfully known to so many as Deacon Phil Devine, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, following a recent decline in health. He was 82.

Phil is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Carol M. (Hume) Devine, whom he married on April 22, 1967. Together they built a loving family centered on faith, commitment, and service to others.

Born and raised in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Phil was the son of the late Joseph G. and Mary (McInnis) Devine. He attended St. Mary's Catholic School before earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Boston College. Throughout his professional career, Phil worked in manufacturing and product distribution. He began with W.R. Grace & Co. before relocating his family to Brunswick, Ohio, in 1974, where he joined Sherwin-Williams Paint Company. In 1981, the family returned to Northborough when Phil accepted a position with Digital Equipment Corporation. Never content to stop learning, he returned to school during the 1980s and earned his Master of Business Administration.

A devoted Catholic throughout his life, Phil answered a calling to serve the Church by completing the Diaconate Formation Program and was ordained a Permanent Deacon. He faithfully ministered for many years at St. Anne Parish in Southborough and St. Mary’s Parish in Shrewsbury. His final assignment was as Chaplain at North Central Correctional Institution in Gardner, where he offered guidance, compassion, and hope to those in his care until his retirement.

Above all else, Phil cherished time with his family. He enjoyed attending his sons' sporting events in their younger years and in the decades since, followed the many activities of his grandchildren with pride. Phil also loved spending time with Carol and the many friends they cultivated over the years. His love of photography will be remembered through the many beautiful photos he took of family and friends, especially those of his grandchildren through the years. Phil was an avid Red Sox fan, and he and Carol rarely missed a game on TV. He will be remembered as a man of deep faith and a generous heart, and was known for his “Devine” sense of humor. His kindness was evident in the way he always made time to listen, offer encouragement, and help others without seeking recognition.

In addition to Carol, he leaves four sons: Philip Devine and his wife Jennifer, Joseph Devine and his wife Heather, Stephen Devine and his wife Jessica, and Paul Devine. He was the proud grandfather of Joshua, Keri, Lily, Sabrina, Jake, and Caroline. He also leaves his sister, Ellen Goetz, and his brother, John Devine. He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph Devine.

Family and friends are invited to gather for calling hours on Sunday, July 12, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 13, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Parish, 244 West Main Street, Northborough.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Deacon Phil's name to: Urban Missionaries of Our Lady of Hope, 242 Canterbury St., Worcester, MA 01603 (508)-831-7455 https://urbanmissionaries.com or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

To share a memory or leave an online condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.