Obituary of Michael Devito

Michael Joseph Devito died after a short illness on May 22, 2023 surrounded by love. He lived in Upper Montclair, NJ and was born on September 29, 1950 in Goshen, NY to Peter J. Devito and Pauline Conklin Devito.

He was a man of many talents. After graduating college in 1972, Michael embarked on a career as a noted stained glass designer and craftsman whose works were shown at juried shows throughout the Northeast. In 1977 he opened Reflections Craft Gallery in Goshen to showcase his work and that of regional jewelers, pottery makers, and leather goods designers.

A skilled writer since his youth, in the early 1980s Michael decided to go into marketing copywriting. Several years later he began technical writing of the kind required for software documentation, and from then on was an in-demand freelance technical writer whose clients included some of the largest banks, telecommunications companies and accounting firms in the U.S.

Michael was a self-taught guitarist from age 15. He specialized in playing the blues. Early on he taught himself slide guitar, for which he became well known. Michael took creative detours in other styles, including years of instruction in classical guitar and jazz guitar. He played in several popular ensembles which gigged all over the New York metropolitan area. Michael was expert in finding and modifying unusual electric guitars and amplifiers. In these ways he was most generous and helpful to other guitarists. Michael's musical ability, collaborative spirit and generosity will be missed by the musicians he befriended and played with.

Michael's other passion was fast transportation devices. Over the years he drove many powerful, foreign-made motorcycles and sports cars. He obtained his pilot's license and owned a small two-seat propeller plane. He loved flying his plane over the beautiful terrain of upstate New York and New England.

He adored his wife Mary. Together they enjoyed hiking and exploring Vermont and later buying Grammy’s Cabin in Arlington. He loved being Papa to Vivi and Gus.

Michael is survived by his wife, Mary Chalek; her children, David Chalek and his wife Shari Cruz, Isabel Chalek and her children, Vivienne and Augustine Tomasetti, all beloved to him; by his twin brother, Peter G. Devito of Goshen New York and his wife Alanna Smith; his sister, Mary Chris Hill of Micco, Florida and her husband, David Hill, and Mary's children: Chandler, Tanisha, and Cyrena and McZorn; and numerous cousins, two great nieces and a great nephew.

Michael was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Ann Wendover Devito; and infant brother, John David Devito.

Michael leaves behind countless friends and loved ones who will never forget his humor, warmth, intelligence and loving spirit.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements were made by Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home, Montclair, N.J. 07043 (https://www.moriartyfuneralhome.com).