1918 was the year Bernard B. Devlin (”Bede”) opened his funeral office on Ohio Street in the North Side of Pittsburgh. He also celebrated a significant milestone by marrying Marie Meyer at Annunciation Church in Pittsburgh.

In 1920, Bede relocated his family to Western Avenue, where he established Devlin Funeral Home. This new location not only provided him with a space to conduct his business, but also served as a nurturing environment to raise his three children, Betty Clair, Thomas, and Mary Jane.

As the funeral home steadily grew, he made the decision to relocate once again, this time to 602 Sherman Avenue, which happened to be the former Arbuckle Mansion. This move brought the funeral home closer to Bede’s home parish of St. Peter’s and marked a significant chapter in the history of Devlin Funeral Home. For the next two decades, the funeral home thrived in this new location, serving the community with care and dedication.

Bede remained actively involved in the family business until his passing in 1978, reaching the remarkable age of 91. Throughout his life, he played an integral role in shaping the legacy of Devlin Funeral Home, leaving behind a rich heritage of service and commitment to the families they served.

Born in 1926, Thomas B. Devlin spent his formative years in the vibrant community of the North Side in Pittsburgh. In 1943, he achieved a significant milestone as a member of the inaugural graduating class of North Catholic High School.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army Air Corp in 1946, Tom pursued higher education at the University of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Diligently balancing his studies, he successfully completed his academic journey in 1949, graduating from both institutions.

Equipped with his newly acquired knowledge and skills, Tom eagerly joined his father in the family business. That same year, he also celebrated another union as he married Marie Fandl, who worked as a school teacher for the City of Pittsburgh. This marked a pivotal moment in Tom’s life as he embarked on a journey of commitment and dedication to both his family and the funeral home that held a special place in their hearts.

During the early 1960s, Pittsburgh experienced a period of urban redevelopment that had a significant impact on various buildings, including the funeral home. The construction of Allegheny Center Mall necessitated a decision from Thomas Devlin regarding the relocation of the business. In 1963, he made the strategic choice to acquire the former Wohl’s Market Building at 806 Perry Highway, which became the new home for the funeral home.

Along with the relocation of the business, the Devlin family also made a move to the North Hills, specifically settling in Ross Township. For the past 47 years, the funeral home has been operating from this location, providing compassionate services to the community. Thomas Devlin, who has been actively involved in the business, takes great pride in his role as a licensed funeral director for over 60 years. His enduring dedication is a testament to the commitment and professionalism that Devlin Funeral Home has exemplified throughout its history.

In 1973, Mark Devlin accomplished a significant milestone by graduating from John Carroll University before pursuing his studies at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Inspired by the footsteps of both his father and grandfather, he embarked on a path to become a funeral director, continuing the family legacy.

In 2003, Mark commenced the construction of Devlin Funeral Home in Cranberry Township, driven by the goal of delivering the same exceptional level of service that his family had provided for over 80 years. The purpose of this endeavor was to cater to the families of Cranberry Township and the surrounding areas, ensuring they received compassionate and dedicated care during their difficult times. The Cranberry facility was successfully completed and officially opened its doors in 2004, marking a significant expansion for the Devlin family.

A new chapter began in 2006 when Mark’s son, Brian Devlin, became the fourth generation to join the family as a funeral director, solidifying the commitment to serving communities with care and professionalism.

As the roots of Devlin Funeral Home continue to grow deep within the Pittsburgh and North Hills area, new roots have now been firmly planted in the Cranberry Township community. With each passing day, these roots will further entrench themselves, ensuring that Devlin Funeral Home remains a trusted, family-owned establishment for the next century and beyond, upholding its legacy of compassion, respect, and service to families in their time of need.