When you can't find the light

That guides you through a cloudy day

When the stars ain't shining bright

You feel like you've lost your way

When the candle light of home

Burns so very far away

Well, you got to let your soul shine

Just like my daddy used to say

-Warren Haynes

John Devine’s radiant soul entered eternal rest on April 12th, 2026. Born to Joseph and Ann Devine, on August 1st 1960, John grew up in Mount Vernon and Milford, playing hard with his brothers and friends. In 1978, John graduated from MASH and then went on to attend New Hampshire College, graduating with a degree in Marketing 1981.

John Devine was an entrepreneur in every sense of the word. He started his career at American Data as a printer salesman before venturing off on his own, creating Devine Systems, Inc. While on a sales call early in his career to Nashua Corporation, John met Jennifer Emmet and she accepted an ice cream date. In 1990, John Devine and Jennifer Emmet were married at Saint Patrick’s Church in Milford, New Hampshire.

John and Jenni built their lives in Amherst, New Hampshire. First on Baboosic Lake Road and later, building their current home on Whittemore Lane. It would be in that home that they would welcome their two children, Katy Foley in 1992 and Jonathan Emmet in 1997. John was the greatest support and cheerleader for his children. He was able to see both of his children grow into adults, marry their spouses, Christian and Grace, and was able to live out his greatest joy: being a grandfather and best friend to Felicity and Melody.

John worked hard to build a life filled with passion and love. From his business, to family, to his love of fishing at his sanctuary, Bear Island, he never missed an opportunity to appreciate the little beauties of life.

As much as possessions did not matter to him, John filled his life with tangible figures of his joy. His passions - including his homes, classic Porsches, sentimental collection of guitars, and unsinkable Boston Whalers - in turn permanently enriched the lives of those around him. From getting immersed in the New Hampshire woods on hikes to countless live music events with his best friend, Tom Vitale, John certainly knew how to get the most out of life.

He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and most especially his hiking partner, Ruby June.

John is survived by his wife, Jennifer children, Katy Devine Steckler and husband Christian, Jonathan Devine and his wife Grace, and his grandchildren Felicity and Melody Steckler. In addition, John is survived by siblings Joseph, James, and Jason Devine and Christine Sacco.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, in Manchester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 17, 2026, 12:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 190 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, NH.

To view John’s online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Manchester, NH.