Fortified with the sacraments of Holy Mother Church, William Dominick “Bill” Deveikis, 93, entered eternal life Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, succumbing to injuries sustained in a car accident. He was born Feb. 17, 1926, in Burlington, New Jersey.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Marcella Schoener Deveikis; and infant daughter, Mary Dolores.
Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army and deployed to Europe during World War II. He was headed to the Battle of the Bulge when the war in Europe ended.
His passion for airplanes led him to earn a B.S. Degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Parks Air College of St. Louis University. After meeting and marrying the love of his life, Marcella, in St. Louis, the couple moved to Hampton, where Bill began his career.
From 1951 to 1983, Bill worked at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at Langley Research Center, Hampton. He performed groundbreaking wind tunnel research that led to advances in supersonic and hypersonic flight. Some of his most notable work was performed on the X-15, still considered to be the fastest aircraft ever built. His research also ensured safe atmospheric reentry of the space shuttle.
Bill’s steadfast faith was an inspiration to many. He and Marcella were founding and active members of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Hampton, where he was a lector, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He will be most remembered for his tremendous love for his wife and family. For decades, Bill demonstrated his dedication to his wife as a loving caregiver. Their marriage was truly reflective of Christ’s sacrificial love. He was loving, supportive and fun. His warmth, sense of humor and faith deeply touched everyone who was blessed to know him.
Music and art were his favorite hobbies. He played saxophone with the Peninsula Community Band for many years and was passionate about classical music since childhood. He also produced exceptional works of art, including incredibly realistic aeronautically-themed drawings.
Bill is survived by daughters, Judy Crocker (Bruce), Marcy Avery, Debbie Regone (Bill) and Andrea Moran (Sean); grandchildren, Scott Crocker, Stephen Crocker, Brian Regone, Jessica O’Neal, Rachel Regone Yao and Christine Regone; and great-granddaughters, Ainslee, Keara, Hailey, Felicity, Teagan and Liliana.
The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at St. Rose of Lima & Korean Martyrs Catholic Church, 2114 Bay Ave., Hampton. Mass begins at 11 a.m. with a reception immediately following.
Donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Hampton Roads or St. Rose of Lima & Korean Martyrs Catholic Church.
Share online condolences with the family at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.
