Obituary of Laurence DeMaio

Laurence Richard (Larry) DeMaio, 90, of Far Hills, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2015. A private memorial service and Internment will be at Somerset Hills Memorial Park in Basking Ridge on December 21, 2015. Laurence was born in Jersey City on July 30, 1925. He went to Snyder High in Jersey City and went on to earn a baccalaureate degree from Jersey City State College. He worked for Western Electric for 30 years where he served as Director of Purchasing. He had a great love for music, especially big bands. He enjoyed bowling, spending time at the Jersey Shore and traveling worldwide with his wife Dorothy. He had a passion for cooking and was a proud member of the Larijonbo gourmet club. He was well loved for his Irish Soda Bread that he shared with friends and family for over forty years. Laurence served his country proudly and honorably in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theatre on the U.S.S. Shangri-La. He was an original Plank Owner of the U.S.S. Shangri-La, a life time member of the American Legion, Post #5 and served as the Blue and Gold Officer for the U.S. Naval Academy recruiting for the State of New Jersey. He attended many reunions of the U.S.S. Shangri La with his sons, sons-in-laws and grandchildren. Throughout his life he was committed to serving the community as a legislative aide in the New Jersey State Senate, a member of the Middlesex County Planning Board and was an avid supporter of many charities and the cultural arts. Laurence is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy, his five children, Maureen and husband Raymond Esteves, Michele and husband Joseph Brady, Laurence and wife Olga, Diane and husband Steven Feldman and son James. "PopPop" was very proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments, Matthew, Amanda, James, Daniel, Stephanie, Lauren, John and Breanne who all had a special relationship with him. He is survived by several loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Frederick, Rita, Mildred and Josephine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memoriam of Laurence R. DeMaio to the Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org. or mail to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758518, Topeka Kansas 66675. For further information, to send condolences or light an online candle please contact Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home at www.gcfuneralhome.com at 908-766-0250.