Born in Manchester, New Hampshire, Devine was in the United States Army during World War II, from 1944 to 1945.

He attended the United States Military Academy from 1945 to 1946.

[2] He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1949 and a Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School in 1952.

[3] On May 17, 1978, Devine was nominated by President Jimmy Carter to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire vacated by Judge Hugh H. Bownes.

He assumed senior status on September 8, 1992 and served in that capacity until his death on February 22, 1999.