Lifelong educator and former Moravian Academy Headmaster David J. Devey died at home in Moravian Village April 14. He was 85.

Following college, seminary school and teaching in Pittsburgh, Devey came to Bethlehem and began a long and storied career at the local academy in 1971. He served as headmaster of the lower-middle school until 1973, when he was asked to lead the entire institution.

Current Headmaster George N. King Jr. said in a message to the community Devey was a natural leader with a tireless work ethic who every morning greeted the entire staff and student body with a handshake at the building's entrance.

Devey was instrumental in the lower school expansion, established the first talent shows, overnight field trips, Green Pond Day summer program and a number of sports programs. He established the school prayer, introduced celebrations of international cultures and worked hand-in-hand with students' families to build an engaged school community.

He often worked in partnership with his wife, Miriam, to inspire the staff and student body. Miriam wrote the lyrics to the school's alma mater.

In the larger community, Devey was a Moravian Church elder and trustee and past president of Bethlehem Meals on Wheels and Rotary Club.

King said, "Mr. Devey will be remembered for his enduring spirit, kindness, and vision, which shaped Moravian Academy into what it is today - reaching new heights in enrollment, academic achievement, and reputation."

A celebration of Devey's life will be held Saturday.