Daniel Lester Mayer Sr.

MAYER Daniel Lester Mayer, Sr. passed away on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at the age of 90. He spent his final days in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the cherished husband of the late Gloria Turan Swanson Mayer for 66 years. He is the wonderful father of Sandra Mayer Staub (Chuck), Julie Mayer Kent (Jesse), David F. Mayer (Laurie), Michael G. Mayer (Eva), and the late Danny Mayer, Jr. and his surviving spouse Lorenza. He is survived by 16 grandchildren: Trey Cook (Patty), Ashley Cook McDonald (Tim), Julie M. Cook, Brandy Kent Stallo (Shawn), Jason D. Mayer (Betsy), Jeremy F. Kent, Sara Mayer Gootee (Ryan), Ryan D. Mayer, Lauren Kent Rivera (Michael), Daniel M. Cook (Rachel), Joshua L. Mayer, Leslie Ann Gloria Mayer, Scott D. Mayer, the children of Dawn M. Hannon, Jessica Hannon, Miranda Hannon-Mayer and Chloe Mayer. He is survived by 12 great-grandchildren and by his sister, Beryl Mayer Gray. He was preceded by his parents Lester and Ilma Mahe Mayer. Dan was born in New Orleans, LA and grew up on Pritchard Place. He graduated from Alcee Fortier High School in the Class of 1937. He founded Mayer-Hammett Equipment Co. in 1970 and he retired as president in 1986. Dan brought many innovations to the construction equipment market in the Southern states. He lead the nation in sales of Gorman Rupp Pumps and Quincy Air Compressors and was the first distributor to bring portable light trailers to the state of Louisiana for night work. Prior to that, he was a national sales leader for the American Hoist and Derrick Co; he sold American Cranes to the developing oil industry across Louisiana and Texas in the 50s and 60s. He worked for Higgins Industries during WWII where he first caught the attention of his future bride Gloria by winking at her over a filing cabinet. He was a gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor. He gave us all the gift of family and the strength of optimism. Few salesmen earned as much respect as Dan Mayer from his customers, his competitors and his friends. He was a member of Free Accepted Masons of the Grande Lodge #102 of the state of Louisiana. He was a parishioner of St. Pius X Church. He was a member of the Hermes Carnival Club and was responsible for getting the Hermes Parade of the street for many many years. He was a member of the Power Squadron and he loved sailing. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at St. Pius X Church, 6666 Spanish Fort Blvd. on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 10:00 AM. Followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:00 noon. Interment in Lake Lawn Park Cemetery. Memorial donations may be sent to Light House of the Blind, 123 State Street, New Orleans, LA 70118 or Catholic Charities, 1000 Howard Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113. To sign and view the Family Guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.