Bozidar "Dave" Devic's Obituary
Bozidar “Dave” Devic, 81, of Fort Myers, resident since 1971 and formerly of New York, passed away at home on Sunday, July 1, 2018 surrounded by his family. He was born in Sukosan, Croatia on March 21, 1937 to the late Frane and Gilda Devic.After one year of technical school and one year of military service in the former Yugoslavia (now Croatia), Dave left for Italy, then France, to work in high rise construction. He met the joy of his life, Renee, in Paris where they were married and lived for two years.They immigrated to America aboard the ocean liner SS United States. They started their new life in America, a land Dave dreamed of as a youngster, from the books he read and stories from his father. He knew America was where he needed to be. Dave worked 3 jobs for 10 years in New York, then in 1971, he moved the family to Fort Myers. Dave worked as a carpenter for Michigan Homes and then started his own company. He was very well regarded in the construction industry and with the help of his wife, built a successful contracting company. He was also a developer of office buildings in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, including Orchid Commons, the first mixed use building (offices and apartments) in Cape Coral in 2006, located on Orchid Blvd. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Lee County.Although Dave worked very hard he always found time for his family, friends and helping other people. He loved to travel with his family to discover the U.S. and the world. He has been a faithful parishioner of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church since 1971.Dave is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Renee Devic of Fort Myers; two children: Sonia Devic Runyon and Yannick Devic, both of Fort Myers, FL; his sister, Rozarija Sutich of New York; two brothers: Rudolf Devich (Maj) of New York and Ante Devic (Tamara) of Croatia; two grandchildren: Thomas Runyon and Annick Runyon as well as one great granddaughter, Emma Runyon. Dave’s family and friends miss him very much and love him dearly.Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am Friday, July 27, 2018 at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, 5632 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919.Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907, 239-936-0555. Online condolences may be offered at: www.fortmyersmemorial.com.
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