Sunday, April 24, 2011

In Celebration

I have created this as a place to tribute my father, Louis Michael DeMaio. My father was devoted to his family. Not just my mother and I, but all those related to him by blood and through marriage. He was a consummate host (dare you turn him down on his offer of drink and a bite to eat and you'd still end up with a plate of it in front of you) and the life of a party.

This week we will be celebrating his life with friends and family in Florida. My mother and I understand that the distance, personal commitments, health and time will not allow everyone to join us. I hope that you will click on comments below to share your memories of him.

9 comments:

  1. Rest in peace Dadbo. I love the fact that you loved me as your son and appreciated all you did for Tammy and I over the years. Every time Tammy plays the piano that you got for her, I hear her love poured into it for you. I can't wait to give you a toast with an "Absolute Martini, straight up with a twist of lemon," your signature. Thank you for looking after the family all these years, something I will continue to do for your two girls and mine.

    I love you!
    Stevebo

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  2. Uncle Louis was always in charge of making the punch,at our many family reunions. Of course he had to have a wee bit of each batch. The rest of us drank the whole bowl! The one time that we had a reunion at our house, in Bowie, MD,Uncle Louis and Aunt Joan were at our house early helping us get ready. I asked him to scoop the dog poop and he took a trowel and covered all of the piles with dirt. I laughed so hard tears were running down my face.Oh those were the days. You will be sorely missed Love, Mary Carol

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  3. One of my clearest memories of Lou will always be of him in his Bermuda shorts, sandals and black socks, carefully tending to his pool and garden with a Coors Light and a joke to tell. He took great care of his home and family, and was always so welcoming and funny to everyone. And who can forget the amazing marinara sauce that took days to make? There are so many things that will continue to live on through Lou's family and friends. He will be missed.

    Kind regards,

    Michelle Campbell

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  4. It was always a great time being with Uncle Lou!!! The laughter was endless! I remember every visit with Uncle Lou, Aunt Joan and Tammy. When I was very young they visited us in Bowie whenever they could. I don't remember much from my childhood but I do remember your visits. I didn't keep in touch like I should of through the years but when I came down last year it was like we didn't skip a beat. I will miss you and know you are having a great time with our family that have gone before us, especially Michael Angelo. Love, Susie P.S. Thanks for letting me help you with the punch!

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  5. I had the pleasure of growing up with a second set of parents and a sister when the Demaios moved to Amanda Drive. Of all the memories, one always stuck out, the many occasions of my dad in his speedo and Lou in his trunks, sitting in the hot tub while Tammy & I swam. I always remember the "dads" allowing us to share a beer or two...Lou was always the life of any gathering, he especially was the life of his family. He always was joking and laughing. I will always cherish the memories. Lou, you are forever in my heart. You will be greatly missed. I know that he will be looking over his family with great pride.
    Love, Kym Miller

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  6. Lou's legend began to build for me when Tammy had me make her our first Martini together. In retrospect, everytime we had a Martini, we paid at some degree respect to Lou. I did not know him very well but wish his family all the best during this difficult time. And of course, all thanks to Lou for raising such a sweetheart as Tammy and bringing her into my life and Jeanette's. Love you Tammy. Bill and Jeannette

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  7. I was not blessed with much exposure to your dad Tammy except in knowing his greatest acheivement...that's you. I do remember how proud he was at your wedding and how important it seemed to him that he gave you a beautiful send off. He must have been tickled to give you into such loving hands. Thanks for sharing this post with me. It's wonderful to get to know him better through those that knew him best. Much love Halters and DeMaios. "And hold DeMaio!"

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  8. Uncle Lou was a very large influence in our lives,even with limited exposure, he touched each one of us deeply.
    Uncle Lou was like a thinner version of our father (Mike). After our father passed away in 1972, uncle Lou was our closest connection to Dad. He was very much like our father in many ways. We were fortunate enough to spend time with Lou,Joan & Tammy when they lived in PA. I still remember the gliders that would fly near their home.
    Lou was always the life of the party...he'd humm a tune while preparing the party punch, tell a few jokes along the way.
    His political rants did not make much sense to me as a young man, but as I grew older I began to appreciate his discussions. It was entertaining to watch the sometimes heated debates with his sisters.
    As I matured I found myself doing and saying things that mimic uncle Lou. He was a very powerful influence in my life and I am eternally thankful to have him as my uncle. My biggest regret is not spending enough time with him as I grew older.
    He will be missed greatly.
    Our love and prayers are with you Aunt Joan & Tammy.

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  9. Loretta A. DeMaioMay 2, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    I posted once before but I no longer see that post so I thought I would post again.
    Uncle Lou was always the life of the party. He was so funny and always had a smile on his face. When ever there was party you were sure to find Uncle Lou making his famous punch. I will always remember Uncle Lou for laughing and making his punch. My thoughts and prayers are for those that have been left behind especially Aunt Joan and Tammy. I wonder if Uncle Lou will get to make his famous punch up in Heaven?

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