William Regis McDevitt passed away on October 28, 2022, at the age of 84 after being challenged with multiple progressive age-related conditions.
He was born on November 23, 1937 to Margaret Toomey McDevitt and Joseph McDevitt in Atlantic City, NJ, where he spent his early years. He studied ballet but at 25 he gave up the idea of becoming a professional dancer for a career as a hair designer and colorist. He worked for Vincent Pileggi a world renowned stylist at his shop in Philadelphia. Bill opened his own successful salon, William Regis Coiffures, 339 S. 13th in 1966.
He was a well respected writer, teaching writing classes at the William Way LGBTQ Community Center. His poem Wallows was published in The National Library of Poetry.
Bill also became a licensed real estate broker and professional photographer and was active in the Historic Photographic Society of Philadelphia, eventually serving as Vice President.
He was predeceased by his brother Joseph McDevitt of Atlantic City. He is survived by many lifelong friends and cousins; Richard Toomey, Helene Toomey and David Nutant of New York City, also Dorothy Dunn Nutant of Jacksonville, FL, and Melissa Nutant Hartman of Whitefish, Montana.
A Memorial service will be held at Guckin Funeral Mansion 3330 G Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134, January 12, 2023. At 11:00 AM
Donations in his honor can be made to the William Way LGBTQ Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19107.