Thomas McKeown Devlin, PhD, of Newtown Square, PA and Ocean City, NJ, died peacefully in his sleep on March 20, 2024, at Bryn Mawr Hospital, Bryn Mawr, PA.
He was born at home in Philadelphia on June 29, 1929, to the late Frank Devlin and the late Ella Mae (McKeown) Devlin. A 1947 graduate of Northeast High School, Tom received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1953 while working fulltime as a lab technician for Dr. Britton Chance, who encouraged him to pursue his doctorate. Tom went on to receive his Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry from Johns Hopkins University in 1957, where he was elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi.
He married his high-school sweetheart, Marjorie Adele Devlin (neé Paynter), on August 15, 1953, in Philadelphia, PA. They were married for 65 years before her death in 2018.
Tom’s career began at Merck Institute, Rahway, New Jersey, as a research associate from 1957-1961, a section head from 1961-1966, and director of enzymology from 1966-1967. While at Merck, Tom spent a sabbatical year as a visiting scientist at the University of Brussels from 1964-1965 and the Institute of Genetics, Naples, Italy in 1965. In 1967 Tom joined the faculty of the former Hahnemann Medical School of Medicine as a professor and chairperson of the Biochemistry Department. While at Hahnemann, Tom was acting dean of the School of Allied Health Professions from 1972-1974 and 1980-81. Tom wrote and edited seven editions of the Textbook of Biochemistry with Clinical Correlations which has been published in multiple languages worldwide. He was most proud of being an educator and mentor to his students, many of whom he remembered fondly. As one former student noted, “I will always remember him as one of the finest individuals that I have known. “ He was appointed professor emeritus in 1995. Tom also served in many volunteer capacities that furthered his chosen profession and benefitted his beloved Philadelphia. A National Science Foundation review panelist (1976-1977), he was also a member of the Association of American Medical Colleges (1975-1979), the Commission on Science and Arts of the Franklin Institute (1977-1990), and the Test Committee for the National Board of Medical Examiners (1983-1985). He chaired the Medical Biochemistry Education Board (1986-1993). A member of the commission of evaluation, retention and selection of judges for the Philadelphia Bar Association (1976-1979, vice-chairman 1979), he was also a member of the selection panel for magistrate judges (1993, 1995 and 2005). Member visiting committee Lehigh University (1982-1990), Member technical advisory committee Ben Franklin Technology Center (1991-2000). He was a member of the Biochemical Society, Biophysics Society, Society of Experimental Biology and Medicine, American Society of Cell Biology, American Association for Cancer Research, and the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
For many years Tom was an active member of St. Christopher’s Church (Gladwyne, PA), where he served on the vestry, and St. David’s Episcopal Church (Wayne, PA). With his wife Marjorie, he volunteered at St. Christopher’s Azalea Day and the annual St. David’s Country Fair. At Dunwoody, where he resided for the last ten years, he volunteered as chairperson of the AV committee. A summer resident of Ocean City, NJ, he was a long-time member of the Ocean City Yacht Club. In recent years Tom was a devoted supporter of the St. James School (Philadelphia), whose library he and his late wife helped establish. A passionate sailor he traveled throughout the waters of Ocean City, the Virgin Islands and Europe. He loved to travel with friends and family and visited over 40 countries in six continents. He was an Irishman throughout and always wore a tweed coat, khakis, and Docksiders.
Tom is survived by two sons, Steven Devlin, PhD, and wife Bonnie (Media, PA), and Mark Devlin, PhD and wife Cathy, PhD, (Glen Allen, VA), as well as four grandchildren, Kathryn Devlin, PhD, and her husband John DeBruicker (Philadelphia, PA), Matthew Devlin and his wife Lauren (Wallingford, PA), Ryan Devlin and his wife Alexa (Frederick, MD) and Laura Devlin (Richmond, VA). His four great grandchildren, Thomas, Hannah, Beckett and Bailey Devlin also survive him. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Alice Devlin, sister and brother-in-law Eleanor and Ronald Fell, one niece, Jennifer Smith, three nephews Ron, Doug, and Bruce Fell and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his wife Marjorie, his brother Frank Devlin and two nephews. He will be missed by all who heard his stories, were welcomed with open arms into his home, and experienced his positive and grateful outlook on a life well lived. After Marjorie passed away, he wrote to a colleague “Life does not always deal us the cards we would like to have. So, we must adjust and do what we can with the situations we find ourselves in.” His final days were spend looking forward to holding hands with his beloved Majorie again.
A memorial service will be held on Friday April 12, 2024, at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 763 South Valley Forge Rd., Wayne, PA at 2 pm, following a visitation hour at 1:00 pm. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. James School library, 3217 West Clearfield Street, Philadelphia, PA 19132. Stuard-Newtown Square since 1822.
