Paul Matthew Lewis DeVito

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Paul Matthew Lewis DeVito, age 38, on June 29, 2026. Losing Paul has left a void in our hearts that can never be filled. He was born on November 12, 1987 in Lansing, MI. He was the son of Paul David DeVito (deceased) and Kathy Jean King DeVito; Richard Baum was a loving and supportive step-father to him for many years. Paul, otherwise known as Paulie, graduated from Williamston High School in 2006. While in high school, Paul was an exceptional athlete, excelling in every sport he tried. He enjoyed playing football, but his true love was baseball. He played on many baseball teams throughout the years, and competed at the Division 1 level for a season at Mississippi Valley State University. After a career ending sports injury, he transferred to Michigan State University earning a B.S. in Kinesiology. He subsequently graduated from the Michigan State University School of Osteopathic Medicine. Paul spent time in Minnesota doing orthopedic research at the TRIA Orthopedic Center until he began his orthopedic surgery residency in Miami, FL. Although a skilled surgeon, he recently made the decision and was excited to complete his training with Michigan State University’s Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (ONMM) residency. He was thrilled to join a nationally recognized program allowing him to pursue sports medicine, while increasing the time he could spend with his family.

Heartbreakingly, Paul was traveling back to Michigan to continue his medical career in East Lansing, MI, when his life suddenly ended. Paul married the love of his life, Lillian, in October 2016. They had many adventures in Minnesota, Florida, New Zealand, Poland, Croatia, Norway, and more. Paul loved Lillian with all his heart and throughout their nearly ten years as a married couple, he demonstrated his love in countless ways. Paul and Lillian welcomed their son, Xavier Paul, on April 2, 2024. Paul was an excellent and dedicated father to Xavier. Xavier would excitedly light up whenever his father walked into the room, or even when overhearing his father being mentioned. Paul had a strong devotion to his family; Lillian and Xavier were his world. He was a very caring dog-father to Eva, often sneaking her extra treats. Paul was very interested in and disciplined with fitness and weightlifting. He spent countless hours in the gym and would inevitably find friends while working out. Paul was talented in woodworking, creating beautiful pieces of furniture for his house and for others. He loved celebrating holidays, decorating everything, inside and out—a beloved tradition he continued from his parents and loved sharing with Lillian and Xavier. It brought him great joy to show off his elaborate light and Halloween displays. He further demonstrated his creativity with making, editing, and regularly sharing video and photo montages capturing the full life he treasured with his wife and son.

Paul is preceded in death by his father, Paul David DeVito, and grandparents Paul DeVito, Stella DeVito, Shirley Lewis King, and Jeline King. Paul leaves behind his mother, Kathy DeVito; step-dad, Rich Baum; his wife and best friend, Lillian (Betts) DeVito; his son, Xavier Paul DeVito; his in-laws Ernest Betts and Greta Betts; his sisters Leiah (Chase) DeVito Carpenter, Kortney (Nick) Marlatt; his sister-in-law, Erica Betts; his nieces and nephews who loved their uncle so dearly: Keygan Carpenter, Kylie Carpenter, Kenner Carpenter, Maren Marlatt, Peyton Marlatt, and Isabella Marlatt. Paul will be remembered for his kindness, dedication, ambition, compassion, his love for and frustrations with the Detroit Lions, the way he easily connected with others, the countless ways he made his family proud, and more. All who encountered Paul will remember his positive energy, thoughtfulness, sense of humor and his dedication to his family. A bright light and dynamic force has inexplicably been extinguished.

A private graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Family and friends are welcome to join a public visitation from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Okemos Presbyterian Church, 2258 Bennett Rd, Okemos, MI 48864. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial contributions be donated towards Xavier’s 529 college fund: www.ugift529.com unify code: Y6H-B33.

Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.