Victor Joseph DeMayo

Victor Joseph DeMayo
Lantana - Victor Joseph DeMayo, 89, of Lantana, Florida passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2021 at JFK Medical Center after a long struggle with illness. A Wake was held on Friday, June 4, 2021, between 6-8 PM at Scobee-Combs-Bowden Funeral Home at 599 N.E. 15th Avenue, Boynton Beach, FL. The Funeral Mass was held Saturday, June, 5, 2021 at 12:00 PM at St. Mark Catholic Church, 643 St. Mark Place, Boynton Beach, FL. Interment followed at the Boca Raton Municipal Cemetery & Mausoleum, 451 S.W. 4th Avenue, Boca Raton, Fl. Following the burial the family hosted all of Victor's friends and family for a celebration of his life at a local restaurant.
Victor was born June 17, 1931 in Newark, NJ, a son of the late Victor A. and Sarah (Dabbiere) DeMayo. He was raised in Newark, NJ. He earned his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in English and American Literature from Seton Hall University. Victor valued his faith-based upbringing and Catholic Education so much that he applied to the Seminary with all intentions of becoming a priest. His application was denied due to the fact that his parents were divorced. Victor moved to the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area and ultimately became very active and involved in a number of Catholic groups. He was a member of St. Michaels Catholic Church in Silver Spring, MD, until he moved to Florida and became an active parishioner at St. Thomas More Catholic Church of Boynton Beach, Fl. Victor initially moved to D.C. to work initially for the I.R.S. but found no joy or passion in that advocation and began his teaching career in the inner city schools of D.C. His teaching career brought him joy and fulfillment and ultimately culminated in him teaching English to 10th through 12th s at Theodore Roosevelt High School (Washington, D.C.). He taught at-risk and underserved students all of his life and found fulfilment in teaching as he called it, "Survival Wisdom,".
Victor was involved in a number of Catholic groups, including: Single and Divorced Catholics, Men's Club and Multiple Parish Choirs. He served as an active leader and mentor for many young adults dispensing advice and mentorship for any who needed help. He taught by his example and actions, never seeking recognition or payment. Victor never met a stranger and was always seeking out more information, insight or connection to new people and places. He was fluent in English and Italian and was convinced this made him a fluent Spanish speaker. He had a special love for his adopted Colombian family (relatives of his ex-wife) who adored him and remember the adventures with Victor as singular and legendary. Victor believed you could never have enough "research" and information and was a prodigious collector of materials on a variety of topics and retained everything in a vast collection of folders. He was not a slave to fashion and focused on comfort before everything else. Victor believed that white pants were acceptable regardless of the time of year and that his infamous white and black shoes were appropriate for any occasion. He loved great Italian food, singing at the top of his lungs (regardless of the venue) and his Family. Victor had an amazing voice and he found audiences wherever he went with little concern for decorum or volume. He loved his only son, brother and grandchildren with a deep passion and commitment. Victor was always willing to drop anything to connect and bond with his Italian and Colombian families. No request was too burdensome, no trip too difficult and no adventure was out of reach.
Victor was a force of nature, who was always upbeat and smiling. He had a great sense of humor, always joking, always having a great time. Spending time with him was always Marvelous, Magical and Exhausting. Victor absolutely adored his grandchildren, Michael Cole, Blake, Sophia and Olivia. Whenever he was in their presence or spoke about them his eyes radiated pure love.
Pallbearers include his son Michael A. DeMayo and nephew Dane DeMaio and his grandchildren, Michael Cole DeMayo, Blake A. DeMayo, Sophia A. DeMayo and Olivia G. DeMayo.
Victor was preceded in death by his parents. Victor is survived by his son, Michael A. DeMayo of Charlotte, NC; his ex-wife Maria Emilia Gnecco DeMayo of Charlotte NC; his four grandchildren, Michael Cole DeMayo, Blake A. DeMayo, Sophia A. DeMayo, Olivia G. DeMayo all of Charlotte; one brother Anthony H. DeMaio of Boynton Beach FL; sister-in-law Genine DeMaio of Boynton Beach FL and many nieces and nephews and loving friends.
A special thanks to his constant care companion and special caregiver, Lucy Lewis. The family would also like to recognize the assistance and help of Jeannine Walsh, Jeanne Paschal and Laurie Brooks who assisted in the care and well-being of Victor for many years. Finally, the family appreciates the love and constant companionship of his loving pet, Gucci DeMayo.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to a favorite charity of your choice.
To leave a condolence, please visit www.scobeecombsbowdenfuneralhome.com