Robert Paul McDevitt, "Bob" or "Bert" to his family and friends, passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 29th, 2022. Bob was born January 24th, 1954 in Winchester, Massachusetts to Paul R. and Louise S. McDevitt.  Bob soon relocated with his parents to Ridgefield, Connecticut in 1957. Bob spent his early years growing up in Ridgefield, graduating from Ridgefield High School in 1972.

Bob discovered early in his life a passion for music and the drums in particular. One day while exploring a storage closet in his family's garage in the early -1960s, Bob came across his father's drum set. With the Beatles and other Rock Bands being of huge influence during the early and mid-60s, Bob began practicing with a dedication like nothing else in his life. Fueled by a love of Rock and Hard Rock Music, Bob along with some of his equally talented friends, formed a rock band named; "The Livin End". One of their first performances was in the sixth grade at the Veterans Park Elementary School complete with "Go-Go Girls" on stage. Bob's passion was reinforced by the excitement of the crowds and his participation in the "Rock era". Throughout the following years; the bands changed, and the music evolved which gave Bob opportunity to play with some notable bands of the time including; "Purple Haze", "Stone" and "Black Dog". Bob had participated in many performances at school dances, local clubs and the annual Battle of the Bands competition where Bob, one year, received the "Best individual Performer Award", for an amazing drum solo that had the crowd going crazy!

After graduating High School, Bob continued his passion for music and went on the road traveling across the country playing at different venues and living the life of a "Music Man".  Bob's evolution from Hard Rock to more Dance Based Music of the 70s was key in broadening his talents and exposure to the entertainment industry. Bob never gave up his love for Hard Rock but knew he had to transition to more popular music of the 70s and 80s in order to make a living. Some of the more notable Bands that he played with during that period were the; "High Society Band", "To Hot to Handle Group" and "The Tracy James Band. It was during that period with the "To Hot to Handle Group", that Bob met the love of his life, Arlene Vella.  Arlene was a performer in the Group and when she saw Bob for the first time, she told her friends that she was going to marry "that Guy". They fell in love and they continued to perform for a few more years before getting married and settling down in New Haven, Connecticut.

Bob stepped back from life on the road and began working as a Union Stage Technician for the Oakdale Theater, Palace Theater, Shubert Theater and most recently the Westport Country Playhouse. Bob continued with his passion for drumming thru-out the years on a limited basis while encouraging his son, Jesse, to nurture and develop his own musical talents.

Bob leaves behind his son Jesse, five Brothers; Stephen (Jean), Kevin (Bandy), Paul (Trish), Tommy and David (Lesli), many Nieces and Nephews. Bob was predeceased by the "love of his life", his wife Arlene, in 2019 and both his Parents; Paul R and Louise S. McDevitt.

There will be no calling hours and services will be private at the request of the family.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.