Joseph Anthony DeVincent, 71, of Red Bank, passed away June 20, 2026.
Joe was a loving, determined, political and funny man. A Big Brother for almost 10 years, Joe also cared for children from many countries through the Rotary’s Gift of Life program. They would arrive here with heart problems and he made sure that they got to doctors who could help them. There are some wonderful pictures of Joe with these kids, a big smile on his face and a happy child in his arms.
His energy and expertise powered numerous political campaigns. A friend once said, “I was immediately impressed by Joe’s energy and political knowledge. Joe remains one of the most thoughtful political analysts I have ever known. Our political arguments were passionate but Joe was always respectful of everyone’s point of view. In the rough and tumble world of Long Island politics, Joe was truly a dynamo.”
Joe graduated from the State University of New York at Albany. He began his political career in the late 1980s as campaign manager and congressional aide for U.S. Rep. Robert J. Mrazek from New York. He later served in various posts on Long Island, including director of the Huntington Community Development Agency, Islip deputy town supervisor, and chief of staff to Suffolk County legislator James Gaughran.
A friend has said about him, “Without a doubt, Joe was the best boss that I have ever had. He was a wonderful leader who made everyone on the team better.”
His love of history led him on many trips to seek out the childhood homes of U.S. presidents and vice presidents. A voracious reader, Joe maintained an extensive library on history and political biographies.
He also had a wonderful sense of humor. When a friend first visited him in the memory care facility, she asked him how he liked it. “Well, I’ve never had so many women chasing after me,” he said.
Joe is survived by his first cousins, Dr. Carolyn Holl of Red Bank and Joanne DeVincent of Edgewater, Maryland. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Diana DeVincent.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 29 at the Church of Saint Teresa, 50-20 45th Street, Woodside, New York. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 49-02 Laurel Hill Blvd, Woodside, New York.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Long Island Cares, the Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank at licares.org. For every $10, Long Island Cares can provide six nourishing meals to Long Islanders facing food insecurity.
Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank has been entrusted with the arrangements.
The article originally appeared in the June 25 – July 1, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
