Louis Robert DiMaio

Louis Robert DiMaio

March 16, 1928 – March 27,2021

Myrtle Beach, SC

Louis R. DiMaio peacefully passed away of natural causes on March 27th, 2021 at 93. 

Lou was born in Wilmington, Delaware on March 16, 1928 to the late Carmen and Virginia DiMaio.   

He graduated Conrad HS in Newport, DE. and then from the University of Delaware with a BS in 1956.

  On a beach trip to Wildwood, NJ in 1947, he met the love of his life, best friend and wife of 69 years, Patricia O’Neal.  He was married in Centerville, DE in 1949. 

Lou was first employed at the GM factory in Newport DE where he worked part time while raising his family and attending U of D part time. 

Following graduation, he began his career at DuPont Experimental Station in Wilmington DE. After 18 years he went to National Foam in West Chester PA where he worked as a research chemist. While there he developed the innovative foam for which he holds a patent. This product changed the industry for extinguishing oil and chemical fires. He then moved to Mobile Oil in Paulsboro NJ where he continued to work on firefighting materials and applications. After a long and fulfilling career, he and Patsy retired to Myrtle Beach in the late 1980’s.

 Lou gave generously of his time as a Catholic religious education teacher, and Boy Scout leader. He had many passions. He was an artist, poet, avid traveler, musician, builder, culinary connoisseur and mentor to many. Lou enjoyed contract bridge, surf fishing, and whittling.  He loved his country and lived life with purpose and passion. Particularly with regards to family.

As the numbers of Grandchildren grew over the years. Lou and Pat wanted to ensure there was a lifelong bond created among the cousins. They started the annual tradition of having all the grandchildren from around the country gather for a week of camping at “Cousins Roundup”. As a family team effort, he enjoyed this tradition for 10 years with great success resulting in unwavering ties, life lessons and lifelong memories.

Lou is survived by his six children: Louis R. ``Bob” DiMaio Jr. & wife Beverly of SC; Bruce DiMaio & Debra of FL; Renee DiMaio Lane & husband Barney of CA; Karen DiMaio Swartling & husband David of SC; Keith DiMaio & wife Lynda of NC and Denise DiMaio Beatty & husband John of SC. His 16 grandchildren: Marti Schutte, Pete and Jeff DiMaio, Samantha and Frank DiMaio, Bradley and Jonathan Lane, Ryan, Matthew and Troy Swartling. Christopher, Scott, Anthony, Hunter and Joseph DiMaio and J Michael Beatty Jr. along with their spouses and 20 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Thomasanne Diver of DE. He is preceded in death by his daughter Sara Beth DiMaio and wife Patricia DiMaio. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, PO Box 61420, Staten Island, New York 10306 or at apda@apdaparkinson.org.  Services will be at a later date.

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