Henry Joseph DeVuono

On November 22, 2018, Henry left this earth to join the true love of his life, his wife Olga. The two of them, along with a trail map, a tennis racquet, a library and a coffee maker, make heaven complete.

Henry was born on March 16, 1921, in Philadelphia, PA, the son of the late Vincenzo and Anna DeVuono (née Colantonio). He is survived by his brother Joe (of The Villages in Florida, the youngest and last remaining of 16 siblings) and blessed with 3 children, 10 grandchildren, 14great-grandchildren, dozens of nephews and nieces, and more former hiking buddies, tennis partners, friends and classmates from Girard College then we can count.

A graduate of Girard College in 1939, Henry enlisted in the U.S. Army while studying at the University of Pennsylvania. He served his country honorably in World War II and beyond, continuing in the reserves and finally retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Henry returned from the war and married Olga (née Smorto) in 1946. They started their life together in Olney, where their first daughter Phyllis (Howard Pope) was born, bought their first and most memorable home on Netherwood Drive in Springfield, Delaware County, wheredaughter Lorraine (Harry McGuirk) was born, then moved to Southampton, Bucks County, where they had a son, Jeff (Julie Wood).

Henry was a founding partner and President of Staub Steel. What he enjoyed most about business, however, was helping others begin their own journey. Most notably, he helped guide Pennsylvania Steel & Aluminum in its early years. Other proud founding efforts include Delaware Valley Tennis Club and brining the Senior Games to Bucks County.

A passionate steward of the environment and public spaces, he completed a hike of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine and volunteered annually for weeks at a time to perform maintenance along this trail and others throughout Pennsylvania.

After caring for Olga, lovingly and diligently for several years, Henry became a full-time grand-pop, the gardener of record in Devon and a groupie of the MLB’s spring training season in Tuscan, AZ.

A true leader in many ways, Henry was a classic example of what many refer to as “The Greatest Generation” with unwavering principals, stoicism in challenging times and always placing family and community above one’s self. He had an incredible thirst for knowledge, the presence to put everything in its proper perspective, and the gift to make an incredibly quick and witty comment to make you laugh.

Henry will be missed most by his family. We thank him for making us laugh and wish him the very best in his newest adventure. Please give Mom and Todd our best.

Services and internment at Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem, PA are private.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the charity of your choice. Henry’s favorites were The Upper Southampton Free Library, any YMCA & The Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

Condolences may be sent to Henry's family by visiting www.McGheeFuneralHome.com