Gaylene Ann DeVito
Gaylene Ann DeVito, aged 98, of Shelby, passed away Sunday morning, February 23, 2025. Although her passing was unexpected, Gaylene led a long and fulfilling life characterized by activity, independence, and joy.
Gaylene was born February 7,1927 at the family home in Shelby to the late Gale and Gladys (Coover) Reidel. As a lifelong Shelby resident, she graduated from Shelby High School in 1945. Beginning with the Shelby Telephone Company as an operator, she paused her work to raise her five children. Additionally, Gaylene owned the family’s well-known photography business, DeVito Studio.
Gaylene maintained an active lifestyle that complemented her personal interests, hobbies, and social activities. An avid participant in both golf and bowling leagues, Gaylene demonstrated her passion for sports and athletic aptitude.
As a child, she would spend almost every summer day at Seltzer Pool swimming and diving with her friends. Upon retirement, she incorporated daily swimming at the Shelby YMCA into her routine. Notably, at the age of 93, Gaylene began a tradition of diving off the diving board almost every year on her birthday. This practice continued until this year when her vision impeded her ability to dive, prompting her to choose running as an alternative, showcasing her enduring vigor just two weeks ago.
In addition to being an athlete herself, Gaylene loved supporting her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their sporting activities. She attended their events whenever possible, and when she could not be there in person, she was sure to be watching on her iPad. As a fervent sports enthusiast, she was also a major fan of the Shelby Whippets, Cleveland sports teams and The Ohio State University Buckeyes.
Gaylene remained competitive throughout her life, particularly enjoying card games and Wordle. Even on the day of her passing, she proudly boasted about solving that day’s Wordle puzzle on her second guess, demonstrating her sharp mind and love for a challenge until the very end.
Gaylene’s commitment to her community extended beyond her family and sports. She was a Girl Scout, high school Girls Athletic Association (GAA) member serving as president for four years and an active member of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby, where she was involved in the Altar and Rosary Society. Additionally, Gaylene volunteered for the FISH of Shelby program.
Survivors include her children: Sally Houk, Jean McKenzie, Dave (Christine) DeVito, and Julie (Michael) Butler; grandchildren: Ray (Dawn) Houk, Lisa Lopez, Heather (Chris) Engel, Salvatore (Grace) DeVito, R.J. (Anina) DeVito, Michael (Alicen) Albert, Heidi McKenzie, Nick (Jenny) DeVito, Andy (Abby) DeVito, and Danny (Ashley) DeVito; great grandchildren: Quinn, Qunicy, Sean, Sara, Michael, Cash, Alivia, Elle, Liam, Owen, Addy, Aidan, Ella, and Blakley; sister-in-law: Susan (Tub) Shell; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. On August 3, 1946 Gaylene married high school sweetheart, Salvatore A. “Sal” DeVito, after he returned from World War II and celebrated nearly 39 years of marriage until his unexpected death 40 years ago. Additionally, her parents; son: Roger DeVito; son-in-law: Robert Houk; and stillborn sister: Jeanette also preceded her in death.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where a rosary will be recited at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 11:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby with Fr. Chris Mileski celebrating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary, YMCA of North Central Ohio- Shelby Branch, or FISH of Shelby.
Condolences may be left on Gaylene’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
To view Gaylene’s tribute video click here: Gaylene’s tribute video.
I want to express my admiration and sympathy to the Devito family. She was one of a kind and diving until the end. You all have mt deepest sympathy. Ed and Cheryl Schumacher
My condolences and prayers for sweet memories to the family and many friends.
DeVito Family,
I was shocked when I read this. So sorry for the loss of Gaylene. She definitely was a special lady:) May God wrap his arms around your family during this difficult time.
RIH Gaylene.
Was so surprised to hear this. Our deepest condolences to the entire family. Gaylene always had a smile on her face and was happy. She will be missed by many. Have known the family all my life. Prayers for the entire family.
My sympathy to the family. I have many fond memories of the times we spent together. We swam together at the Y and often played cards together. What a super person.
To her family my deepest sympathy to everyone. What a mazing woman . So kind and was loved. May God give everyone strength and comfort at this time.
Our very deepest sympathy on the loss of your amazing mother, we have always marveled in her ambiguous agility in all her endeavors..She truly was a force to be reckoned with.All of our love and heartfelt sympathy Domenic and Charlene Spinale
Jean and Dave and Family,
Sending sympathy to all in the passing of your mother. No matter how old we are, the passing of your mother leaves a hole in your heart. Treasure all of the memories of her as I know you will.
Gaylene was an inspiration!! She was the nicest person and lived an amazing life!! I know she is resting in God’s loving arms and is visiting with all of her family and friends who have gone before her. Hugs to all of the DeVito’s!
So very sorry for your loss. She was a sweet energetic gal that loved her family and her life and it showed in her actions and her smile. Will miss seeing that smile for sure. Sending prayers and hugs to her family. Cherish all your wonderful memories and I’m sure you have many. All our love Dr. Gary and Tammy Johnson
My deepest condolences go out to you all. I enjoyed very much reading about Ms. Gaylene’s life, and now understand why all of you – especially my Heidi- are all so wonderful. May God bless all of us with as much love and zest for life as he did Ms. Gaylene. Sending all my love. ♥️
Gaylene was an inspiration, ever since Larry and she shared the water aerobics classes at the Y.
My ongoing Wordle woes and successes will be devoted to her memory. It took me four tries that day.
Please accept my sympathy to her loved ones.
Julie
We are so sorry to hear about your mother. We know how close you two where. She was such an inspiration to us all on how active she remained in life. I am sure she will be active in the afterlife.
Tony & Donna
We share our condolences to the family
Ross family
The Devito family
I am saddened by your loss snd you are all in my thoughts snd prayers
Deepest condolences to all the family.
Our deepest sympathy to the Families. We have known Gaylene from the old days at Sheleby CC and thru the DeVito studio.
My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you for the loss of Gaylene. I pray that all of your memories can comfort you during this difficult time. Gaylene was a wonderful woman with impeccable strength. May her many life lessons continue through in all of your lives. Love, Deb
Cathy and I wish to express our deepest condolence on the passing of our cousin. She was a beautiful women at every gathering. I can remember when we were all very much younger traveling to Aunt Francis’ home for a weekend. Always getting together with Roger and Dave, Wayne and John, Joe and Jim to play any game that Sal would humourously supervise. Sal married the queen of Shelby. Always plenty of fun, food and love. Rest in peace, Gaylene, and God Bless.
Dennis DeAngelis.
Gaylene was a wonderful lady and will be missed by many. I very much enjoyed getting to know her over the years. She was the last of the Reidel cousins. As a child, I have many great and special memories of our family get togethers around the holidays at the Devito home. We always had spaghetti! Sal was always so much fun too! I always enjoyed hearing about the family stories! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family in this very difficult time. God bless! Andrea Reidel Pelfrey
My deepest condolences to Gaylene’s family & friends. There was never a dull moment when in her presence.She will be missed by many. Sending you all much love, peace and comfort.
I’m saddened and heartbroken to see this now and wish I would have known so I could have attended the services. I fondly remember 50+ years ago always around Christmas time going to the Devito house with my parents and having a gathering with the family members. After years and years of not seeing cousin Gaylene, I delivered a package to her on West Smiley Ave while working for UPS and thinking see wouldn’t remember me, but low and behold she says, “Hi Tim”. Julie was there at the time visiting and I hope she remembers that. Once again, I’m saddened I didn’t attend, but the memories I will continue to cherish. My deepest thoughts prayers and sympathy for the massive Devito family.
I’m so sorry to hear of Mrs. DeVito’s passing. She was always very kind to me and my family. And always fun to wait on her at the Coffee Shop! The video was absolutely beautiful, what a lovely tribute to her life & beauty. I will keep your family in my prayers. May she rest in peace, in God’s arms. With deepest sympathy,
Michele Moore Brodene