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George J. Devlin Jr., an MIT power plant maintenance mechanic, dies at 50

Had worked at the Cogeneration Plant for five years
George J. Devlin Jr.
Caption:
George J. Devlin Jr.

George J. Devlin Jr., a power plant maintenance mechanic in MIT’s Department of Facilities, died suddenly on Monday, Aug. 9. He was 50.

In his five years of service to MIT, Devlin performed maintenance at the William R. Dickson Cogeneration Plant on Vassar Street. Among his duties were the repair and inspection of boilers, the alignment of motors, and the cleaning of chillers.

“In the time I was his supervisor,” said Larry Kelley, maintenance manager at MIT’s Central Utility Plant, “I never heard George say a bad word about anyone. I also never heard anyone utter a bad word about George. MIT is all the better for having had George in its employ, even if only for five years. He had a great sense of humor and was a good worker. George, we will miss you. God bless.”

Devlin was born in Jamaica Plain, Mass. He graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in the North End of Boston and attended Northeastern University for two years. Prior to coming to work for MIT, he worked for Boston Edison for 22 years as a power plant mechanic. When the South Boston plant he worked for closed, he and four coworkers all came to work together at MIT. Devlin was a member of the Service Employees International Union, Local 615.

Devlin, who lived in South Boston, had a passion for golf. Family members describe him as a very easy-going person well-liked by those who knew and met him. He is survived by his wife, Paula Devlin.

A wake will be held on Thursday, Aug. 12, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the O’Brien Funeral Home in South Boston. A funeral service will be held on Friday, Aug. 13, at 10 a.m. at the Gate of Heaven Church in South Boston.


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