Hugh James Devine, Jr. – It is with deep sadness we share Hugh James Devine, Jr. passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.
Born May 8, 1938, in Buffalo, NY to Ruth and Hugh J. Devine, Sr. Hugh resided in Buffalo, NY for more than 22 years, moving to Guilford, CT for 10 years and finally settling in New Jersey in 1972. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Bethany College in Bethany, WV and completed his graduate studies at the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, CT. Hugh served as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army Reserve.
From 1961-1971 while at the Winchester Western Division in New Haven, CT, Hugh led the first marketing research project conducted by the company. He was co-founder of Total Research Corporation in Princeton, NJ in 1972 and retired as President and COO of the Company in 1996. During his time at Total Research Corporation, he led the Company to become one of the top firms in the world using statistical research to understand and predict consumer behavior. And, under his direction, Total Research became a world leader in measuring Customer Satisfaction. After his retirement from the company, he became self-employed as a marketing consultant of his own business — Hugh J. Devine & Associates of Plainsboro, NJ. His second and final retirement was in 2007.
During his career in marketing research, Hugh was a member of: Institute of Management Consultants, Council of American Survey Research Organizations (CASRO), American Marketing Association, and the American Quality Society.
Hugh’s favorite hobby was singing. Since 1972, he was a member of the Garden Statesmen, a Barbershop Chorus located in the Princeton area. In addition to singing with the Chorus, he was a member of two quartets: Sound Decision and The High Spirits. The Chorus and Quartets entertained thousands of Mercer and Middlesex County residents with song and harmony of America’s favorite hits. As in his business career, Hugh was a leader in his music career. He served as President, Music Vice-President, and Show Chairman for the Garden Statesmen. In 2022, he was given the honor of being the first member elected to the Garden Statesmen Hall of Fame.
Hugh and his wife Bernice spent 45 years together and enjoyed time with family and friends, winters in Siesta Key, FL, fun getaway weekends to the NJ shore, traveling abroad plus attending family reunions. In business and personal activities, Hugh was respected for his wisdom, skills and ethics. Always with a positive attitude, many of his co-workers will recall howhesaweverysetbackasanopportunity. Healsohadagoodsenseofhumor,recognizing happiness as a necessary ingredient of a successful life.
He is predeceased by his parents – Hugh James Devine, Sr. and Ruth Perry Devine as well as his two sisters, Joan Walter of Williamsville, NY and Patricia Scatoloni of Pasadena, CA; and his brother-in-law, Frederic C. (Fritz) Riley, Jr. of Doylestown, PA.
Surviving him are his wife, Bernice C. Devine of Plainsboro, NJ; his ex-wife and mother of his children, Ann Devine of Venice, FL; his three sons and daughter: Jim (Jeanette) Devine of Jacksonville, FL, Tom (Shelley) Devine of Venice, FL, Kent Devine of Venice, FL, and Cathy Whitaker of Morrisville, NC; his two stepdaughters, Diane (Jim) Alleborn of Southport, NC and Karen (Scott) Krueger of Schuyler Falls, NY; his six grandchildren, Ashley Devine of Venice, FL, Logan Devine of Clearwater, FL, Brady Whitaker of Garner, NC, Abby Whitaker of Cary, NC, Courtney (Thad) Townsend of Wilmington, NC; his one great-grandchild, Cameron Grady of Venice, FL; his sister-in-law, Helen L. Robinson of Quakertown, PA; his two brothers-in- law, David Riley of Mohnton, PA and Patric (Peggy) Riley of Schwenksville, PA; his several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and his cousins.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at A.S. Cole and Son, 22 North Main Street, Cranbury, NJ. Visitation for friends and family will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Hugh’s memory to the Princeton Chapter of the Garden Statesmen, care of Joe Ciccione, Treasurer, at 12 Garnet Court, Franklin Park, NJ 08823. Please add Hugh’s name in the memo section of your check.