Thomas L McDevitt

Thomas L. McDevitt, 74, of Bedford, passed away Saturday, December 24, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer.  Tom was born on August 30, 1948, a son of the late Ed and Ruth (Slick) McDevitt.  He was united in marriage to Kathleen (Ball) McDevitt on April 24, 1971. They were blessed to celebrate 50 years of marriage in 2021.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Erin (wife of Erick) of Hobe Sound, FL; son, Jason (husband of Kim), of Bedford and four grandchildren; Emilee, Katie, Jake, and Kaysea Elizabeth.  He is also survived by brother, John Edward “Eddie” McDevitt and wife, Rochelle, of North Carolina.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon McDevitt.

Tom was co-owner and operator of Ed’s Steak House, founded by his mother and father in 1954.  He dedicated his life’s work to the family business and retired in 2021, after 50 years of service.  He first partnered in the business with his wife, Kathy, and uncle, Samuel Slick, Sr., and for the final 22 years the establishment was open, with his son, Jason, and daughter-in-law, Kim.  He was a savvy businessman and respected employer and business partner. Through the years, he formed many treasured friendships with loyal customers and employees.

In his free time, he enjoyed attending car shows and spending time with his “car show buddies”.  During the winter months, he enjoyed spending time in Florida with his wife and family.  He loved music and was a skilled drummer, playing with several local bands in his younger years.  It brought him great joy to teach each of his grandchildren to play the drums and watch them participate in various activities and sporting events.

While Tom may be best remembered by the community as a hard-working and well-respected businessman, his family will remember him as a loving and devoted husband and encouraging and supportive father.  As a lover of hot rods, rock music, trains, collectible toys, fishing, and the outdoors, he was the perfect “Pap pap”, a title he wore proudly.  He leaves his family with countless memories of fun times, laughter, and memories of him loving life and living it to the fullest.   He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.  Famous for wise quotes, one that is especially appropriate as we look back and say good-bye, is one of his favorites, “Did you learn anything?”

A memorial service will be held at the Louis Geisel Funeral Home, Bedford, at 12 PM on Friday, December 30, 2022, officiated by Brad Allison.  Friends will be received two hours prior to the service from 10AM – 12PM. Interment will be held at Bedford County Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lady Bison Basketball Boosters, 226 Phares Lane, Everett, PA 15537; or South Fork High School c/o Mrs. Bryan, Drama Dept., 10000 SW Bulldog Way, Stuart, FL 34997; or The Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida’s Getting Kids Back to Nature Program at wildlifeflorida.org.

Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.geiselfuneral.com/. Arrangements entrusted to Louis Geisel Funeral Home, Bedford, Pennsylvania.