Obituary: John Patrick Devine, 85, Virginia Beach, VA

John Patrick Devine, a longtime IBM executive and dedicated family man, died peacefully on November 4, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, according to reports from Simply Cremation and Legacy.com.

He was 85 years old.

Born on February 11, 1941, in Englewood, New Jersey, Devine’s life was marked by a drive for self-reliance following the early loss of both his parents. He worked his way through school, eventually graduating from Fairfield University to begin a career that spanned decades of corporate leadership and international travel.

Devine began his professional journey as an accountant at Anaconda Copper and Brass in New Jersey. He later transitioned to IBM, where he spent 33 years climbing the corporate ranks. According to his obituary, his final role at the company was as Program Director Worldwide Strategy for IBM Global Services.

His tenure at IBM saw him living in several locations, including Hackensack, New Jersey; Austin, Texas; and Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. Following his retirement from IBM, he moved to Virginia Beach and continued his professional life as a Partner at the Insight Group, consulting on business solutions for national clients.

Obituary: John Patrick Devine, 85, Virginia Beach, VA — Photo: legacy.com

Beyond the boardroom, Devine was deeply involved in his community and family life. He coached town basketball and softball teams for his daughters and spent significant time renovating their childhood home, transforming indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate family activities. He also traveled to Ireland to ensure his children remained connected to their ancestral roots.

In his later years, Devine was a prominent figure at the Princess Anne Country Club in Virginia Beach. Living directly across from the sixth green, he was a frequent participant in senior weekly games and various tournaments. His golfing achievements included victories in the Mercedes Championships, which earned him trips to Germany and Hawaii.

He also found joy in boating, a passion he shared across generations. He operated boats in both Austin, on Lake Travis, and in Virginia Beach, where he took his grandchildren out on Linkhorn Bay and the Chesapeake. He was known for teaching his grandchildren to catch crabs off his dock.

Devine is survived by his three daughters: Ann Marie McGuckin (Michael), Susan Devine, and Patricia Webster (Jon). His surviving family also includes his sister, Eileen Farrell (Michael), and several grandchildren: Ryan (Stephanie), Sean, and Molly McGuckin, as well as Liam and Tessa Webster.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary Ellen (McGovern) Devine, and his brothers, James and Charles.

A burial service will be held at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Tenafly, New Jersey. A celebration of life is expected to follow, though the specific date and details are still to be determined. Simply Cremation is assisting the family with the necessary arrangements.

The man who once managed global strategy for one of the world’s largest technology firms spent his final years finding quiet contentment on a dock in Virginia Beach.

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