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).