Richard J. Devaney, 86, a lifetime resident of Phoenixville, died peacefully at home under Hospice care, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late June Marie (Finnen) Devaney who died in 1972.

He was born March 16, 1924, to the late Richard and Alice (Carey) Devaney. Mr. Devaney was a graduate of Phoenixville High School, Class of 1941. Mr. Devaney attended the University of Pennsylvania prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Forces.

Mr. Devaney was sent to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for officer training and bombardier certification. His bombardier training continued at the Mojave Desert Training Facility in Victoryville, California. He was assigned to a B-24 Bomber as part of the 23rd Bombardment Squadron, Pacific Theatre. Mr. Devaney achieved the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and was awarded the Air Medal for Meritorious Service.

He was a 65 year member of the Samuel A. Whitaker (American Legion) Post 482, Phoenixville, Pa, where he was actively involved in the Post's operations. He worked as an Insurance Company Branch Manager, and Horse Farm Specialist as an Insurance Agent. Mr. Devaney enjoyed golfing, bowling, thoroughbred racing, tennis, racquetball, and sports car road rallying.

Mr. Devaney is survived by: son, Richard J. Devaney and wife Joyce, of Gilbertsville, Pa; daughter, Becky D. Goebeler and husband Tom, of New Freedom, Pa; daughter, Tina M. Devaney, of East Greenville, Pa; and son, Todd G. Devaney and wife Brenda, of Wichita, Ks; five grandchildren: Tommy, Ricky, Danny, and Susie Goebeler and Christina June Devaney; and six great grandchildren: Toby, Ashley, Levi, Nittany, Henry and Effie Goebeler. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Melanie Jo Devaney in 1969; and a great grandson, Cannon J. Goebeler in 2009.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Main Street at Fifth Avenue, Phoenixville, on Saturday, November 20, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the Morris Cemetery. Friends will be received from 9:30-10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Samuel A. Whitaker Post 482, 600 Mellon Street, Phoenixville, Pa 19460, in memory of Dick Devaney.