Obituary: Michael Christian Devlin, 54, formerly of Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Michael Christian Devlin of South Beach, Long Island, NY and formerly of Branford, CT passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, June 20, in New Haven. He was the father of Margaret Claire “Maggie” Devlin and the brother of Brendan (Pamela Ferrechio) Devlin. Mike was born in New Haven on March 2, 1969, the beloved son of Michael and Barbara Waskevich Devlin.

He grew up in Branford, and was a member of the BHS Class of 1987, spending his senior year as a tri-captain of the baseball team. Mike continued his education at UCONN, SCSU and the Scottsdale Culinary Institute where he studied to become a Master Pastry Chef. His expertise in the field gained him the opportunity to be part of the team that was instrumental in the designing and re-opening of the famed Beverly Hills Hotel in 1995.

Mike was also an accomplished guitarist and often played as a band member at the legendary Whiskey a Go Go in Hollywood and the Roxy Theatre on Sunset Strip.

Continuing with his love of baking, he eventually moved back to the East Coast and for many years taught the baking arts at Lincoln Tech, Gateway Community College and developed the baking program at the University of New Haven. His many years of past experience gained him the opportunity to finally land the job of his dreams, working in the product research and development field, creating desserts for many major restaurants throughout the country.

The love of Mike’s life was his family, especially his daughter, Maggie. With the many challenges of being a single parent for most of her life, he was able to create an unbreakable bond with memories and traditions that will last forever.

His greatest joy was to spend two weeks every year for the past 23 years with his family on Martha’s Vineyard.

Family and friends may call on Wednesday, June 28 from 4-7 p.m. at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford, CT. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 29 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Therese Church, 105 Leetes Island Road, Branford, CT. Burial will be private.