Deo A. Mayo, 96, passed away peacefully Sunday morning November 1, 2026 at his home following a brief illness.
Deo was born February 21, 1930 in the town of Jasper, the last of seven children to the late Wayne and Elcy (Drake) Mayo. On September 6, 1947 in South Canisteo, he married the former Ruth L. Amidon, and was blessed with 77 years of marriage before her passing in July of 2024.
He was a life- long resident of the Canisteo Valley, graduating from Jasper Central School. He went on to work at Foster Wheeler, Co. in Dansville, where he retired after 38 years of employment as an accountant.
Deo and Ruth lived in the town of Hartsville for several years where they raised their family before moving to Canisteo. He was Hartsville town tax collector for 2 years, and town supervisor for eight years. In addition to these positions, he spent 35 years on the board of directors for the former Canisteo Savings & Loan serving as president for 25 years.
Deo and Ruth were avid antique enthusiasts and traveled the better part of the area, and beyond, looking for many unique treasures to add to their collection. They had an exceptional interest and talent for fine glassware that they both enjoyed collecting. Other interests included lawn work, gardening and “tinkering” around the house.
Deo is survived by two daughters Kathleen (Lewis) Edgett of Florence, AZ. Cynthia (Paul) Cone of Canisteo, two sons, James (Carol) Mayo of Troupsburg and Dennis (Nancy) Mayo of Latrobe, Pa., several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by four brothers, Richard, twins Harley and Harvey and David Mayo, an infant sister, Alberta Mayo and sister, Elizabeth Ruth Darmstadt
The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Thursday at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo, where a funeral service will take place Friday November 6, 2026 at 11:00 am. Burial and committal service will be in Hillside Cemetery in Canisteo.
Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Care First, 3805 Meads Creek Rd. Painted Post, Ny 14870.
A full and complete obituary can be read online along with shared condolences and memories at hpsmithandsonfuneralhome.com
