Devitt Gift to Benefit JFS
JFS has received a $500,000 gift for its Aging and Disability Services programs in honor of Lois and Sherman Devitt.
“My parents were always grateful for raising our family in the cohesive St. Paul Jewish community and wanted to share their good fortune to keep the community institutions strong for future generations,” said daughter Nancy Devitt.
As the first-born child, Sherm internalized the values of hard work and family responsibility at an early age. His father got him a paper route and made sure Sherm was on his bike before dawn delivering the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He graduated from St. Paul Central High School in 1942 and, at the direction of his father, enlisted in the US Army at age 17. He landed on Normandy Beach on D-Day Plus Six, then marched to Cherbourg.
Following discharge from the Army, Sherm enrolled at the University of Minnesota to study accounting. After graduation in 1949, he joined Wolkoff-Effress Accountants. Sherm passed the CPA exam on his first try in 1952 and became a firm partner. In 1961 with his brother-in-law, Stan Barenbaum, and his brother, Eddie, they joined and expanded the Sussel Company from building garages to building housing developments. After the family sold Sussel to Lampert Lumber in 1974, Sherm started the real estate development company Lanvesco with Stan Taube, converting high quality apartment buildings into condominiums. He continued to develop housing and commercial real estate with partners, Ben Steinberg and Robert Levine.
At the U of M, from his seat at Walter Library, he spotted a cute, petite coed sitting where all the Jewish girls hung out. After finding out she was Lois Gilbert, SDT sorority president, he immediately introduced himself and asked ‘Loie’ for a date. This proved Sherm’s lifelong maxim, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” Together, Lois and Sherm raised three children – Nancy, Gary and Jay – supporting their interests and instilling a strong sense of integrity, loyalty, fairness, perseverance and compassion.
Sherman and Lois modeled strong moral values and a lifelong commitment to the local Jewish community and Israel. “This incredible gift will keep JFS strong for future generations, just as the Devitts intended,” said JFS CEO Ruth Olkon. “Fundraising is a constant struggle, but this unanticipated, felicitous gift ensures our critical human and social services can be sustained to benefit thousands in the East Metro.”
Sherm was a long-time member of Temple of Aaron and Temple Israel. His best family times were skiing at Vail up to age 85, golfing at Hillcrest, Oakridge and Boca Raton country clubs, and cheering the Vikings and Twins as a season ticket holder.
He cared for his beloved Lois at home in her early stages of Alzheimer’s and had lunch with her every day when admission to memory care became necessary.
At his 98th birthday party, he urged everyone, “Be thankful for your good fortune.” Sherm passed away earlier this year. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois. May Sherm’s memory be a blessing.