Richard W. DeVane, Jr.

Richard W. DeVane, Jr., age 88 passed away on May 20, 2023.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Ann Rowley DeVane, two sons, Richard Alan DeVane (Vivian) of Jacksonville and John Gary DeVane of Simsbury, CT, a daughter, Elizabeth DeVane Driscoll of Simsbury, CT. and 11 grandchildren: Brandon, Cassadi Ann, Jonathan, and Jack DeVane; Carlynn, Ryan, Kylie and Trent DeVane; and Katelyn, Meghan and John Driscoll.  He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and his aunt, Beverly Stephens. He was predeceased by his sisters Deane Brown and Sally Hanson.

A native of Jacksonville, Mr. DeVane was raised in Jacksonville Beach and graduated in 1952 as co-valedictorian from Fletcher High School, where he excelled in football and track.  He was State champion in 1952 in the 880-yard run and also won the State cross country meet that year.

At Georgia Tech, where he attended on a Navy scholarship, he earned six letters in track and cross country and was Captain of the varsity Track team in 1955 and1956.  He was President of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, Commander of the NROTC Unit, was a member of ODK leadership society and graduated with Highest Honors  with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

He was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy upon graduation from Georgia Tech and served eight years as a naval officer.  He was selected for nuclear power training in 1958 and was a member of the commissioning crew of the USS Enterprise, the world’s first nuclear powered aircraft carrier.  In 1964 he joined Combustion Engineering where he served in the nuclear power division, Corporate staff and fossil power division.  He retired from Combustion Engineering in 1990 having achieved the position of President, Fossil Power Systems Business, the company’s largest business unit.

During his 26 years with Combustion Engineering, he also received a Master of Business Administration degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and was a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School.

In 1990 he joined Framatome, the French nuclear engineering firm as President and CEO of Framatome, Inc., its US subsidiary with headquarters in Washington, DC.  In 1996 he was awarded the rank of Chevalier in the National Order of Merit by the French government for his contributions to the growth of the business of Framatome, Inc. and its subsidiaries.  He retired from Framatome, Inc. in 1997.  

He and his wife, Ann, returned to the Beaches after retirement.  He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church.  He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and enjoyed being with his grandchildren during his retirement.

A memorial service will be held at Christ United Methodist Church in Neptune Beach at 2 pm on June 17, 2023.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Christ United Methodist Church at 400 Penman Road, Neptune Beach, FL 32266, or BEAM at 850 6th Ave South, Suite 400 Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. Please visit his online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com. Arrangements by…