The ACS community is sorry for your loss. Devin was a well-loved alum. His former teachers and classmates have shared stories about how talented and wonderful he was. Our thoughts are with you.
Barbara Cosentino, Alumni Relations
The Avery Coonley School
Lisa and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have not seen Devin since 8th grade when we were on the baseball field battling one another. Even then, he was more mature than any of us. He was a gift to many, I’m sure, and I know he will be missed.
Lisa, you don't know me, but this passing has hit me like a ton of bricks. Devin joined the Wheaton Rams football team that my father coached when we were maybe 11 years old, and nothing was ever the same. We went from being a very good team to a great team instantly because of him, and as the quarterback I was blessed to be the one getting the ball into his hands. (Made me look way better than I was!)
We grew up right around the corner from each other, and from the day we began playing ball together, we became fast friends. Otis was also on the sidelines at every game, and it was obvious where Devin got his even temperament and athletic skills. I also learned of his amazing intellect and truly spectacular musical skills as time passed, and I honestly considered him one of the most talented people I ever knew. We got to play with each other again in high school, and I watched him become one of the greatest athletes in Wheaton's storied history. I did not see Devin again after high school, which I now truly regret, but I watched from afar with pride as my friend excelled at Wheaton College on the field, as well. Looking now at you and your children, I see that he also accomplished something much more important off the field.
I am heartbroken at this loss, as are dozens of other teammates who knew and loved him at every level he played. I will miss knowing that he walks this Earth, and I will be very sad for awhile. But I also rejoice that his pain is over, and that he now is at God's side. I loved that man, and it was truly an honor to be his friend. God bless you and your family, and I look forward to seeing everyone come out on Tuesday to celebrate his amazing life. I can promise you I will be there, and so will my dad, who thought of Devin like one of his own kids. Peace be with you, and thank you for your beautiful tribute.
Missing Devin already! 💔 I’m sad, yet I’m SO grateful for the honor of planning and serving in a concert that was ours to present in our own way! It started with us just kidding around as your hubby was quite the jokester and always thought he was so funny! He cracked himself up! Lol! I soon realized we were on assignment together to the dear residents at Windsor Park. What a true blessing for us all! Thank you Lisa ALWAYS my lil Sis for over 30 years for trusting me with your precious cargo! God blessed us and Devin did his thing! Lifting you guys up! I’m a witness that He is and will continue to carry your family! Shoutin praise to God with my Brotha! THANK YOU JESUS! #UPGRADE🙌🏽 #Pastor Devin❣️🎹🏈🙌🏽
Barbara Cosentino, Alumni Relations
The Avery Coonley School