Domenic Anthony Maio

06/22/1935 - 02/19/2025

Colonel Domenic Anthony Maio, USAF, Retired, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, at his residence in Ashburn, Virginia. Domenic was born in Washington DC on June 22, 1935, the oldest of six children that blessed Gregorio and Josephine (Pirrone) Maio. He was awarded a full academic scholarship to Gonzaga College High School and graduated a year early in 1952. He earned his bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from Georgetown University in 1956, and his master's degree in Physiology at George Washington University in 1957. Upon graduation, Domenic entered the United States Air Force on a direct commission that same year. He served his first assignment at Shaw AFB, Sumter, SC, as Aerospace Physiologist, where he lectured USAF and allied aircrew on aircraft equipment, procedures, and hazards of high-altitude flight. In 1963, he was selected for assignment at the School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks AFB in, San Antonio, TX, where he conducted research studies in the areas of decompression sickness and oxygen denitrogenating schedules for high altitude flight. In 1968, in conjunction with his research at the School of Aviation Medicine and his in[1]residence coursework at Texas A&M University, Domenic earned his Doctorate in Aerospace Physiology. He continued as a pioneer in aerospace medicine research at Brooks AFB for the next three years. In 1971, Domenic returned to the Washington, DC area, where he served from 1971-1973 as Program Manager for Life Sciences at the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Bolling Air Force Base. He moved onto assignment as Director of Biotechnology Air Force Systems Command, Andrews AFB from 1974 to 1977, and from 1978 to 1981 he was assigned to the Air Force Air Staff, The Pentagon, as Program Manager for Biotechnology. Continuing at the Pentagon, from 1981 to 1982, he served as Executive Assistant for International Research for the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Research and Development. He completed his military career in 1985 as Military Assistant to the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Advanced Technology, Office of the Secretary of Defense. Domenic's military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, The Legion of Merit, The Air Force Meritorious Medal, and The Air Force Commendation Medal. His civilian affiliations include his selection as a fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association and lifetime member of The Military Officers Association of America. Domenic retired from his Air Force career in 1985 and later retired from private Industry in 1990.He was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer, and a top-notch chef. He enjoyed preparing special meals for family and friends and he loved sharing his passion for cooking with his grandchildren. He remained active in his community and was a long-time member of the Countryside Building and Grounds Committee. Domenic leaves behind a legacy of exceptional service along with a community of family and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Joan M. (Daly) Maio. Left behind to treasure his memory are daughters and sons-in-law Mary Lisa and Miles Nikolet of Glenside, PA; Julie and Frank Kasuba of Sterling, VA; and Laurie and David Sanger of Ashburn, VA; grandchildren Domenic, Kristin, Lauren, Christopher and Brandon; sisters Mary Lou Brown and Joyce Hoyle; and brother Gregory Maio. He was predeceased by brothers Anthony Maio and Francis Maio, as well as children Gregg Christopher and Michelle Teresa, who became angels in heaven shortly after birth. A mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Arlington, VA on July 23, 2025, at 9 a.m. for both Domenic and his beloved wife, Joan Maio. Following the mass, a funeral service for Domenic with full military honors will be conducted at Arlington National Cemetery at 11 a.m., in tandem with a funeral service for Joan. Interment for both will follow.