Mesa, Arizona
Jan 24, 1926 – Mar 11, 2016 (Age 90)
Louis Anthony DeMayo, 90, passed away on March 11, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1926, a first generation Italian-American. After serving in the Marines for three years and being one of the first American troops to set foot in Japan during World War II, DeMayo attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the Hussian School of Art . He had his first exhibition in 1952. DeMayo's early works have been exhibited at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Temple University, Detroit Institute of Art, Moore College, and the Philadelphia Civic Center as well as being displayed in some of New York's finer galleries. DeMayo moved to Phoenix, Az. in 1971 to take the post of Art Director for Arizona Highways Magazine. He very quickly discovered a fascination and ardent appeal for Arizona's Native American tribes and left Arizona Highways to concentrate on his career as an artist. Over time DeMayo's work evolved, and soon he became recognized for his style of contemporary southwest art. During his long and lauded career DeMayo has painted hundreds of Native American images, and his work has been acquired by a breadth of art lovers and private collectors across Arizona, the United States, and as far reaching as China and Germany. DeMayo made a segue to abstract art around 2002 and in 2011, DeMayo was awarded the prestigious Pollack-Krasner Foundation Grant. He continued painting into his 90th year. His works have appeared in such varied publications as Time magazine, Advertising Age, Today magazine, Fortune magazine, and Arizona Highways. DeMayo has been considered a trailblazer in the area of contemporary southwestern art. He is survived by his son, Louis DeMayo Jr. and his daughter, Denise DeMayo.
I cannot believe it has already been 5 years without Lou. He was such a special person to me in my life. I will never forget all that he taught me when I was growing up. Such a talented person. His memory will always be kept alive with me, my children and grandchildren he got to spend time with.
JoLynne McDonald
March 14, 2021 | LaPine, OR | Friend
I am the only granddaughter of Lou, Alicia. His daughter and son, Denise and Louis DeMayo Jr., passed away earlier this year, I am the last survivor of the DeMayo family. If you are interested in staying touch or knowing more, or interested in Lou's art, please don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected]
Alicia Triassi-DeMayo
December 21, 2020 | Peoria, AZ | Family
I am writing this for my mother, Mary Jo Smith. She was a long time friend of Louis and still talks and thinks about him. They were such good friends!! There is not a day that goes by that she does not talk about his art. His art has been a very special place in our family.
She is trying to reach his Son and Linda to talk to. I was searching for them when I found this lovely page. She is now almost 94 and recently moved back to Mesa Arizona and it would mean the world if she could...
susan somaya
August 15, 2019 | San Francisco, CA | Friend
Another year without you..I miss our conversations and your wisdom. Mom and I love you always and miss you dearly..Always Loved But Never Forgotten. Wish you could sing me our song one more time. Like the last time I saw you at your 90th birthday❤ You are in my heart and thoughts everyday Love you so much Thank you for all you did for me❣
JoLynne
JoLynne McDonald
March 12, 2018 | La Pine, OR | Family
I am reaching out to Louis JR. or Denise, So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was a good friend of my uncle Mickey Losavio - My Mom called from phila. today to let me know she came across a painting that my uncle painted of your dad in the late 70's. I have talked with your dad several times before he passed and loved his conversations. He also sent me a couple printer copies of some of his beautiful work. Do either of you want my uncle Mickey's painting of your dad ? Brian, ...
Brian Cianfrani
November 14, 2017 | Palm Desert, CA | Acquaintance
I enjoyed working with Louie many years ago at Arizona highways. He was a very gifted person and excellent artist. I enjoyed his friendship.
Wesley Holden
April 07, 2017 | Coworker
I just learned of Louis' passing. I came to Arizona Highways in 1975 as an assistant to the art director after Louis and Joe Stacey left. I'll always remember his voice and style of speaking - usually with a smile on his face. Glad he had such success as a fine artist and had such a long life!
Lorna Holmes
March 03, 2017 | Phoenix, AZ | Acquaintance
Uncle Lou was a tremendous influence in my life. My memories go back to when our family lived together in Phila. His studio and living quarters were on the 3rd floor of our home and I remember the day I was finally able to toddle up the stairs and discover the wonderful world of art. He greeted me by saying, "Well, miss, if you're going to be up here then you're going to sit in that chair and draw." I made up my mind on that spot that I was going to be an artist. Throughout my life, no...
Juliet White
July 31, 2016 | Millsboro, DE | Family
Lou was a very special talented person in my life since I was a little girl. He and I had a close loving relationship that I will always cherish. He and I spent alot of time together when I was growing up that I will never forget . He was always there like a father to me. Taught me how to shoot a gun and dice LOL. My mother Linda and Lou had a very special relationship that lasted over 44 years. He loved her with all his heart and soul also. I just wish I could have one more conversation...
JoLynne McDonald
May 01, 2016 | La Pine, OR | Family
