Eugene P. Devine was a firm partner from 1947 until his death in 1974. Born in 1912, he attended Niagara University and, in 1940, obtained his law degree from Albany Law School. He then joined Cooper Erving & Savage and in 1947 became the third partner of Irish descent, following James Tracey and Edward Rooney.
As many prior partners, he was involved in Albany politics. He was a confidant of the legendary Democratic boss, Dan O’Connell, and was elected Albany County Treasurer in 1956 and served as such for several terms. He also was the chairman of the Albany Housing Authority. In addition, he was a director of Hedrick Brewing Company, a well- known O’Connell-owned entity.
Devine was a director of First Trust Company and trustee of Albany Savings Bank.
On a personal level, he was known for his keen mind and sharp wit. A lifelong smoker, Devine died of lung cancer in 1974 at age 61. His son Eugene “Gus” Devine was a firm partner from 1981 to 1985, and now serves as a New York Supreme Court Judge on the Third Department Appellate Division.
