Robert Rocco DeMaio Sr, aged 88, passed away on January 10, 2024, in Largo, Florida. Born on July 13, 1935, in Raritan, New Jersey, Robert was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and innovator in his professional field.
He is survived by his wife, Lois; his children, Anne Marie Morse (Kevin), Robert DeMaio, Jr. (Kim), and John DeMaio (Barbara); and was predeceased by his daughters, Suzanne Damann (Mark), and Lynn Marie DeMaio. Robert was also a cherished grandfather to Bobby (Jen), Christian, Jack, and Jace, and a proud great-grandfather to Jessah, Jordan, Blake, Brody, and Rocky.
He is reunited with his parents, Xavier and Dora DeMaio; and siblings Michael DeMaio, Raymond DeMaio and is survived by his sister Marie Blasse.
Robert met Lois at a dance in Manville, NJ and quickly fell in love. They were married in 1959 in Manville, NJ, where they lived until 1980 when he relocated his family to Seminole, Florida. They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in 2023.
Robert was a member of the United States Army National Guard from 1953-1959 serving at Camp Kilmer, NJ.
His professional journey as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer was marked by significant achievements, including holding several patents. He was notably recognized for his redesign of the urinary drainage bag, the design of which is still in use in hospitals today. He concluded his remarkable career at Essilor, where he designed several production line machines that are also still in use today - providing eyeglass lenses to millions of people worldwide.
Robert’s passion for golf was a lifelong affair, beginning as a caddy at the age of eight for Raritan Valley Country Club. He caddied well into his teens, earning money for his parents while honing his own skills. He was constantly in pursuit of “the perfect swing” and was eager to show off new variations to his entire family. He continued to play golf until only a few months before his passing.
Robert loved the outdoors and faithfully walked six days a week, resting only on Sunday. He was also an avid skier, enjoying the sport well into his 80s, and also enjoyed spending summers at the beach, riding the waves with his family on his beloved red body board. Robert and Lois enjoyed traveling during their retirement, logging more than a hundred cruises during their time as travel agents. He often had “the best deal” on an upcoming cruise for anyone that wanted to join them.
Robert was a devoted parishioner to Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church in Seminole, Florida.
A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 10:00am; Blessed Sacrament Church: 11565 66th Avenue North Seminole, FL 33772
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