Gene DeMayo

Gene DeMayo, formerly of Pembroke, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on September 22 at the age of 87.

Born in Norwood to Angelo and Rose DeMayo, Gene was an only child. When his family moved to Gloucester Gene became involved with the ROTC rifle team, and was very proud to have placed first against the West Point cadets. At Gloucester High he became very good friends with Larry Davis and Don DeCoste, both of whom remained dear to him throughout his lifetime. After graduation he attended Wentworth Institute of Technology, after which he began his working career. For many years he worked as a mainframe computer operator and finally as a manager for Sherman Brothers heating oil company. After that, he was a very enthusiastic retiree, although his greatest joy was being with his beloved wife Sonja.

Gene and Sonja raised their three children in Weymouth, getting involved with Farm League, Girl and Boy Scouts, horseback riding and BMX bike racing - encouraging anything that their children wanted to do. They met many of their friends this way, and maintained long, loving friendships as a result.

Gene and Sonja both loved to travel, and when their children were young and money was scarce, they still found ways to incorporate adventure. Later, they traveled all over Europe, both with the kids and without, often visiting Sonja's homeland in Norway but always with a stop in Switzerland. Of all the places they visited, Gene's favorite was Zermatt, and for years he proudly flew the Swiss flag outside their Weymouth home.

Gene was the devoted husband to the late Sonja (Heitmann) DeMayo of Pembroke, loving father to Karin Doolin-Coyle and her husband Jamie of Kingston, Peter DeMayo and his wife Kathy of Hanover, and David DeMayo and his fiancee Jess of Pembroke, and doting grandfather to Emily, Shawn, Matthew, Michael, Kaitlin, Aleksander and Brianna. He also leaves behind his best pal Charlie, his Siamese Betta Fish, and many birds that will miss the pounds and pounds of birdseed he bought each month on their behalf.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, September 29th from 4:00PM-7:00PM at Sullivan Funeral Home in Hanover - 551 Washington St., Rt. 53. A funeral mass will begin at 10:00AM on Tuesday, September 30th at 10:00AM at Our Lady of the Angels Parish (St. Mary's) in Hanover - 392 Hanover St. Burial to immediately follow at Hanover Center Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Audobon Society to support the well being of our feathered friends.