Residents across Orange County hold heavy hearts after Francis Edward Devitt, a former Orange County Legislator with many hats, passed away on Wednesday, May 1. Over his lifetime, Devitt led an extensive career and left an immeasurable impact on the county, whether through government, volunteer work, or philanthropy.

Devitt, a lifelong resident of Montgomery, was born on November 29, 1935, and lived at Wallkill Avenue. He graduated from Montgomery High School in 1958 and received his real estate broker license from SUNY Orange during the 1960s. He opened his first business, Devitt Real Estate, in 1966, followed by Devitt Management Association in 1984, the latter currently owned by his son Marc.

“He was our hero, larger than life, but he never portrayed that,” Marc said. “He cherished the community and promoted it, and he was big on volunteerism.”

Devitt was no stranger to government, serving on the Town of Montgomery board from 1966 to 1972 and founding the town’s chamber of commerce. During his term as trustee, he discouraged the board’s proposed $75,000 expansion to the previous municipal building in Walden and suggested that the town hall be located closer to Scott’s Corner. Considering the town hall’s present location at 110 Bracken Road, his feedback proved invaluable.

On the county level, Devitt was the legislator for District 18 from 1978 to 1985 and a member of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce and the Orange County Water Authority. As a legislator, he sued Lou Heimbach, a former county executive, and the legislature when they attempted to sell Glenmere Lake, seeing the reservoir as a potent water source. He won the lawsuit, and the Village of Florida has used Glenmere Lake for water to this day.

Beyond his town and county roles, Devitt developed and co-owned Super 8, a Northeast motel chain, with his partner George Tolley. Their first motel launched in 1978 at Neely Town Road in Montgomery, and the two managed 42 motels. He also served on the Stewart Airport Commission, the Greater Hudson Bank, and Pursuit, formerly the New York Business Development Corporation. He particularly loved working on Pursuit’s board and was appointed by three different governors.

Devitt adored the Village of Montgomery and supported its many facets however he could. He was a lifetime member of the Montgomery Fire Department and, with the help of his department, turned the village’s old firehouse into the OC Firefighters Museum during the 1990s. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Church and helped launch General Montgomery Day’s 8K Run, a major fundraiser for local organizations.

“He was a tremendous supporter of the community, whether he joined local organizations or supported them financially,” Marc said.

Devitt was also heavily involved with the Wallkill River Center for the Arts and provided its members with funding and rental space in the Patchett House on Ward Street, where the school currently teaches classes. He collected and donated historical art pieces to museums and institutions, including those from Shawn Dell Joyce, the Wallkill River School’s founder.

“Even though this was not a highly profitable arrangement for Devitt Management, they agreed and allowed us to use the most beautiful historic home in Montgomery for a gallery and school,” Joyce said. “I always admired his ability to put community before profit. He could’ve rented our space to a number of real estate offices for far more than we pay, but instead, he felt the arts organization would better serve the local community.

“Our nonprofit was a small fledgling in 2008 when he moved us into the Patchett House, we have since served the community for 16 years and become a fixture in the Montgomery cultural landscape,” she continued. “This would not have been possible without his help.”

In 2006, the Orange County Citizens Foundation awarded Devitt with the 12th James and Ruth Ottaway Medal, celebrating his commitment and contributions to the county. Over 200 attendants cheered him on during the medal dinner, a testament to the effect that he had on everyone around him.