Frank Anthony Devoti

Frank Anthony Devoti
8/26/1925 - 10/04/2021

Frank Anthony Devoti, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at age 96, on Monday, October 4, 2021, surrounded by his loving children.

Frank was born on August 26, 1925, to Anthony and Mary Devoti. He is survived by his sister, Rosemary, and children Colonel David Devoti (US Army Ret. (Marsha), Janis Devoti, Jeanine Voller, and Don Devoti; nine grandchildren, Angela Devoti, Paul Devoti (Michelle), Jessica Devoti (Brian), Denise Voller, Lisa Voller, Chris Voller (Jessica), Marisa Mirabal (Matthew), Dr. Dante Devoti, Adriana Devoti; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 72 years, Jeanette; parents, Anthony and Mary Devoti; brother, John Devoti; and daughter-in-law, Ruth Rainaldi Devoti.

Frank was a native of Albuquerque and attended Albuquerque High School before entering the Army to serve his country in WWII. He was deployed to Europe, where he fought under General Patton on the front lines in Germany and France as a member of the 3rd US Army. He served as an artillery scout behind enemy lines pinpointing enemy locations for artillery fire. Frank was also a part of the force that liberated the Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany in April 1945. He was later selected to drive Army Senior Leadership to Nuremberg, Germany to participate in the Nuremberg War Trials.

A strong work ethic earned him respect and admiration as a business owner of Duke City Auto, 3U Distributing and United Wholesale Liquor Companies. He found great satisfaction and enjoyment in his work and interaction with people, retiring at age 88.

Frank was a devout Catholic and family man who wholeheartedly served his church, family, and community. His leadership was frequently sought for projects, fundraising events, and community endeavors. His was one of the pioneer families of Our Lady of Fatima Church, where he served on the parish council, chaired the finance committee that raised funds to build the parish community center, and worked to foster the advancement of Catholic education.

Dad had a special love and commitment to St. Pius X High School. He was part of the team who helped identify and select the Louisiana Blvd. campus site. He later served the school in various capacities as a long-time member and officer of the school board, and co-chairman of the annual Spaghetti Bowl. In 1973, when the high school was in financial straits, he and other St. Pius X advocates created a strategy known as "Project 73" that successfully kept the school solvent.

Frank also actively supported his wife's long-time service and dedication to Birthright. He was a member of various clubs and organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the BPOE (Elks), the Knights of Columbus, and the Lobo Booster Club.

Frank's great sense of humor, compassion, warmth, and down-to-earth personality endeared him to all he met. He loved to cook and BBQ, specializing in steaks and New Mexican cuisine. He looked forward to his yearly trek to Lemitar for green chile, which he included in practically every meal.

Frank had an unwavering devotion to the rosary, Our Blessed Mother, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He and Jeanette made several pilgrimages to the Shrine of Our Lady of Medjugorje and many other religious shrines throughout the world.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 5:30 p.m., followed by the Recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m., at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 4020 Lomas Blvd. NE. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, October 13, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be his nine grandchildren and spouses. Honorary pallbearers will be his nieces and nephews; Steve and Tony Devoti, Christina Garcia, Lynne Peckinpaugh, Greg and Danny Franchini, and Keith and Kevin Franchini.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Our Lady of Fatima School Scholarship Fund, 4020 Lomas Blvd. N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87110.

Frank's life of devotion, service, and faith were an inspiration to his family and all who knew him. Special thank you to Maria for your loving care of Papacito, who loved you dearly, to Dr. Farzana Harji and the compassionate VA Hospital staff on 5A and to Dr. Hemanth Pai.

Dear Dad, may God bless you and keep his arms around you always. We are so proud of you and are blessed to call you Dad. Job exceedingly well done!