Tom DeVito can change a hot water heater in the time it takes for his NY Giants quarterback son to win a football game.
The third-generation New Jersey plumber has been in the business for 35 years. His Montclair-based firm DeVito Plumbing & Heating has seven employees.
“I’m probably the fastest boiler installer you’ve ever seen. I do all-day boilers in about three hours,” DeVito told The Post matter-of-factly, ala Tom Brady discussing his completion accuracy.
The dutiful dad of Giants Cinderella hero Tommy DeVito continued, “I like to do the boilers because that’s [my] signature. I paint my boilers, I take pride in my boilers and I’m just a boiler specialist.”
DeVito tells the story of a customer who said her husband “had concerns” because he was faster and cheaper than other referrals and suspected he might be cutting corners.
DeVito told the woman that if her husband wasn’t convinced by his work, “you don’t have to pay. How’s that?”
DeVito got paid.
DeVito’s dad was also a plumber, who would take him on jobs.
The diehard Steelers fan — “and now Giants,” he says — always thought his son Tommy had what it takes to play in the NFL. “Tommy checks every box you look for in a quarterback. Most importantly, he’s a likable leader.”
Tommy has proven him right in recent weeks, leading the Giants to victories over the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots.
As for himself? The 56-year-old didn’t mince words.
“I was 5-8. There was no dream of being a ballplayer,” he said.
However, DeVito Sr. is an all-star when it comes to fixing pipes.
“It’s all about speed. Because you’re billing on time. Anybody can do the job. But how long does it take you to do it? And do it neatly and professionally. If it takes you eight hours to do something that I can do in two hours — that’s not good.”
DeVito’s work motto? “He who has the most customers wins.”
As for his now-famous son, DeVito could not believe his eyes this week when the line for PrimoHoagies in Wayne, NJ, wrapped around the store as fans braved frigid temperatures to meet Tommy.
The elder DeVito said it was so cold, “I wouldn’t wait here for anybody except for Jesus.”
The proud dad said the “overwhelming” demand for interviews has forced Tommy to “shut it down” and keep the focus on the field.
“We don’t want to be a sideshow to the New York Giants. They’re a first-class organization. We certainly want to hold up our end and be classy people and just try to sit back and support our son. That’s the Italian way.”
DeVito said his wife, Alexandra, does make Tommy’s bed, “but not all the time.”
Tommy’s favorite meal is indeed her “chicken cutlets” — but father and son also enjoy the orange aid and deluxe hamburgers from Holsten’s, the Bloomfield confectionery that served as the setting for Tony Soprano’s last meal.
“I’ve been going there for 50 years,” DeVito said.