Francis Joseph Devine

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our Dear “Poppa” Frankie.

Frankie was born in Anaconda, at ‘the old St. Anne’s’, to Joseph Patrick and Anne Elizabeth Devine. He was much loved by his parents and enjoyed a happy, loving and cousin-filled childhood. He went to High School in Anaconda and graduated in 1961. He often said that he has loved Anaconda his whole life and would never live anywhere else. He served in the Armed Forces and attended basic training in Biloxi, MS. He served as a Reserve member of the 631st Chemical Company for many years. He was an E5 with a Sharpshooter certification. He was proud of his service to the United States. He spent his young adult years hiking, fishing and enjoying the outdoors. Throughout his life he pursued wildlife photography and was in a bowling league and he loved to watch wrestling/WWE on TV. He built his beloved parents Anne and Patrick a lovely house at Georgetown Lake and cared for them until death. While caring for his parents he worked alongside his dad at the Anaconda Tin Shop. Frank spoke of this time often; it was a consistent, cherished time throughout his life. He spoke fondly of his years as an Electrician at ‘The Smelter’ and then later completing his varied career as a Corrections Officer at Montana State Prison.

He did many things in his 82 years but the one of which he was most proud – was, “Poppa”.

Frank met his partner in life, Jo Anne Morgan, nearly 20yrs ago, in Anaconda. Together they loved their growing family with their whole hearts. He was a treasured Partner, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather and friend Frank and Jo Anne enjoyed each other’s company and rarely even had an argument (he was rather amazed and quite proud of this). They were together, every day, for more than 19yrs. They enjoyed traveling and went on a special cruise to Panama in celebration of Frank’s 75th birthday. Frank was a committed, kind and humble partner who was devoted to his family. His priority – and joy - was family. He loved all the silly dinners, goofy birthdays, and gentle, quiet hang-outs; with every one of us. Our lives are forever enriched because of him. He will be heartily, truly, and affectionately missed. He was a father to Julie Sheppard (John Bolinger), Bobby Duong and Lien Pham, of Anaconda. He was a cherished grandfather to Stephanie and JJ Zenahlik of Anaconda and a grandpa (great-grandpa) from afar to Matthew Giguere and Alexandra Rousseau (Lea and William Giguere) of Canada. His biggest joy was his boys. He loved being “Poppa”. He was a fantastic great-grandpa to Jasper and Liam Duong, Bexley Allison and JJ “Quinn” Zenahlik. Our hearts hurt. Woven into our family fabric is Christopher (Kathy) Finigan of Anaconda and Steven Jackson of Boise. We cannot imagine Frank’s life without them. He wanted them to know he valued them as dear friends, who have become family.

He is survived by cousins Jo Anne Barkell of Montana; Joey Hugo of Wyoming; Darlene “Punky” Kieser; and Billy Shandorf; of Washington; Samantha Calcaterra; Joann Shandorf; Karl Hugo of Idaho.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Holy Family Church, 217 W Pennsylvania St., Anaconda. A Visitation will begin at 9:30 am before Mass begins. There will be a luncheon in the Hunthausen Center of Holy Family Catholic Church to follow.

Please visit the side bar to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Frank.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Frank and his family.