Gaetano "Tom" DeMayo, 98, passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at the Lyons Veterans Home.     Born in Newark on October 27, 1922, to Sam and Conchetta DeMayo, he worked for the City of Newark as a License Inspector, but his life was defined by his service to his country.

During World War II he served in the US Army with the 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Division. During the Battle of Roosevelt Ridge, New Guinea, he was severely wounded. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge, The Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Southwest Pacific Medal, the American Theater Medal, the American Defense Medal, and The World War II Victory Medal.  He was a lifetime member of the VFW Newark Police Post # 1439, where he held various positions, on the national, State and local levels.  During two terms as Department Chief of Staff, he organized 20 VFW Posts in New Jersey.

Mr. DeMayo was predeceased by his sisters, Philomena (Minnie) Racioppi, Geraldine Esposito and Leonora Kolibas.  He is survived by his sister; Gloria Weber of South Plainfield and many nieces and nephews .

Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords, NJ 08863.  Interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Orange.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Wounded Warriors Project.