Joseph Chris Vandevere

Joseph Chris VanDevere, 93, met our blessed mother upon his death on November 3rd, 2025.

Joe was born February 18th, 1932 to Rudolph and Elsie (Bennett) VanDevere. Joe graduated from St. Vincent St. Mary High School in 1949 and Notre Dame University in 1953. After school, he joined the United States Air Force. His great love of flying started at a young age, motivating him to attain his pilot license on his sixteenth birthday. He enjoyed flying his plane until just four years ago, at age 89. After his service in the Air Force, he joined his father working at the VanDevere Automotive Dealership. Leading the dealership became his life long work. He was known for his great work ethic, for serving as the president of Akron Automobile Dealers Association, and for being awarded the Time Quality Dealer of 1980. Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family and especially loved playing tennis, water skiing, and going on RV trips with them. He was a strong, committed member of the St. Francis De Sale Parish and lived his faith every day. Throughout his years, Joe showed generosity, compassion, and a great sense of humor. Everyone that has met him will miss his quick wit and charming smile. Joe was an incredible, honorable person that appreciated all the love and adventures that life gave him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley (Wagner) VanDevere, whom he was married to for seventy wonderful years. He leaves seven children: Mike (Marie) VanDevere, Vicki (Paul) Borer, Christi (Mike) Hutson, Mary (Dave) Herpy, Debby (Jim) Pianalto, Marcie (Mike) Cerchione, Jerry (Stephanie) VanDevere. Joe was also blessed with thirty-four grandchildren and forty-one great grandchildren. He is also survived by his two siblings Chris (Kathie) VanDevere, MD and Joanne Reich. His beautiful family was the love of his life.

Friends and family may attend calling hours on Friday, November 7th from 4:00-8:00 pm at Anthony Funeral Home - Akron Chapel, 1990 S Main Street, Akron OH 44301. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, November 8th,11:00 am at St. Francis de Sales Parish, 4019 Manchester Road, Akron OH 44319. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron. Following the burial, everyone is invited to a luncheon at St. Francis De Sales in the school gym. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Relief Services at www.crs.org/donate/, Right to Life of North Eastern Ohio at www.rtofneo.com/donate/, St. Vincent De Paul Society at St. Francis De Sales, or Embrace Pro-Life Clinic and Care at www.embraceccc.org. These are all organizations that were close to his heart.

His family finds comfort in knowing that Joe's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught them, the love he shared, and the many cherished memories.

This is a celebration of life, so feel free to dress in a color of your choice.