MECHANCVILLE - Anthony R. DeVito, 88, of N 5th Avenue, passed away Thursday, March 1st at Albany Medical Center surrounded by his loving and faithful family, due to complications of a recent fall. Born in Mechanicville, September 21, 1929, son of the late Orlando and Mary Valentino DeVito, Sr, he was a Mechanicville High School graduate, class of 1946 and was a standout athlete in his youth.
He joined the US Army during the Korean War and served proudly until his honorable discharge.
Affectionately and sometimes only known as “Mope” by all who knew him, many didn’t even know his real name.
As a young man, Mope worked on the D&H Railroad and later as a police officer for the Mechanicville Police Department. He was promoted to Sergeant and then again to Lieutenant and faithfully served his community until retiring in 1979. Always a hard worker, Mope also worked for the US Postal Service in Mechanicville at the stamp window for many years until retiring in 1987.
He was a longtime and very active member of the Italian Fraternal Society, Mechanicville and spent many days there, either on the bocce courts or inside playing cards with his friends. He loved a good game of Gin Rummy or Pinochle. Mope also enjoyed trips to the racino, where he spent most of his time at the video poker machine.
An avid sports fan, he was a dedicated fan of the NY Yankees, NY football Giants and all sports Notre Dame.
He was a lifelong communicant of the All Saints on the Hudson (Assumption-St. Paul) Parish.
A man who loved his family, he rarely missed an opportunity to be at any function to see his children and grandchildren’s achievements, both academically and athletically.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Rose Fragomeni DeVito, who he married on June 16, 1957, his children Anthony DeVito, Dorine Heller and James(Sherry) DeVito, all of Mechanicville, grandchildren Alyssa and Joshua Heller and Emily and Joseph DeVito, siblings Orlando “Earl” (Clorinda) DeVito, Rosemarie(Frank) Rossi, Patricia(Robert) Tomaski, Louise Coreno, Joseph(Linda) DeVito and sister in law Anne DeVito as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his daughter in law Kim Kelly DeVito and a brother Francis DeVito.
The DeVito family would like to extend their thanks to Albany Medical Center's Surgical and Neuro ICU team for providing outstanding care and compassion toward Mope. A special thank you to Dr. Stephen Sgambati, Jr and staff for providing many years of loving care and support to Mope and they will be forever grateful for the care provided by the late Dr. Stephen Sgambati, Sr.

Calling Hours on Monday, March 5th will be at All Saints on the Hudson South Church, 121 North Main Street, Mechanicville, NY 12118 from 4-7PM. A Mass of Christian Burial at the church will be celebrated on Tuesday at 9AM with military honors and entombment to follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Those wishing to remember Mope in a special way are asked to make donations to the Fr. Joe Scerbo Ministry Center, 52 William St, Mechanicville, NY or the Italian Fraternal Society, 38 Viall Ave, Mechanicville, NY 12118.

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