Obituary of Jean M DeVito

Jean passed away peacefully on April 16th, 2021 at the age of 85 in her Basking Ridge home. She will always be remembered for her selflessness and sincerity, as well as her signature earrings and infectious smile. Born in Brooklyn, NY to Rose and Joseph Scarcella, she learned to become an advocate for the disabled, being raised by two deaf parents. She attended secretarial school, contributing administratively to many companies including the AHRC, serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Later, she worked as a staff member for South Oaks Hospital whose mission is to treat people with chemical dependency. As a resident for many years in Deer Park, Long Island, she volunteered her time helping the less fortunate with transportation, did typing for the blind community, taught religious education, and even coached youth sports. People who knew her appreciated her warmth, quick wit, inclusiveness, and cooking skills. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Jean. She was happiest when surrounded by her grandchildren and loving family. With a profound ability to find joy in her daily routine, one could frequently find her watching cooking shows, classic movies, and the Catholic religious channel, or laughing over phone calls with friends. Jean is survived by her daughter, Evelyn DeVito Minolfo, son-in-law Stephen Minolfo, daughter Jean DeVito DiGrande, son-in-law George DiGrande, and sons Joseph and Donald DeVito. She will be missed dearly by her eleven grandchildren, dear sister Evelyn Campfield, husband of sixty-two years, Donald DeVito, and cherished nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 from 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm to Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 S Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. A mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church in Bernardsville, NJ at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 21st. Donations in Jean’s memory can be made to Ridge Oak Care Fund, 150 Manchester Drive, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 or Market Street Mission, 9 Market Street, Morristown, NJ 07960.