NJ man found dead in food processing plant kettle cooker remembered as ‘picture-perfect husband and father’
A New Jersey man’s loved ones are mourning after he was found dead in a kettle cooker at the food processing facility where he worked.
Dale Devilli, 63, was “the picture-perfect husband and father” of two daughters “who valued family above all else” prior to the tragic accident, according to his online obituary.
The “rock in the family,” Devilli is remembered as “their protector, their leader, and their home,” the obituary notes.
“Daddy, losing you so suddenly yesterday has been a nightmare that I know isn’t going to end anytime soon. I don’t know what I’m doing to do without your loving and supportive talks that always ended with ‘everything will be okay, I love you,’” Devilli’s daughter Karli wrote in a heart-rending Facebook post. “You went above and beyond as a father and never missed a chance to make my mom, sister and I feel loved and provided for. You taught me more than I could ever learn from a book about life, unconditional love, and how important family is. I know I’ll see you again one day. I love you so much & I miss you.”
“You were a damn good man that was taken from us way to [sic] soon you will be missed greatly and never forgotten Dale,” read a Facebook tribute from Maurice Cobb.
Authorities on Monday morning responded to the Lassonde Industries Inc.-owned plant in Cumberland County, about 50 miles northwest of Atlantic City, where Devilli was found. He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
OSHA told New Jersey 101.5 it is also investigating Devilli’s death, but authorities have said there was “nothing suspicious in nature at the scene.”
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday.
“We are devastated by the loss of our friend and colleague and our colleague and our hearts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time,” Alexander Roberton, senior director of corporate communications for Lassonde, told New Jersey 101.5.
