Anthony Thomas “Tom” DeMaio, Jr., of Norwood, formerly of Newton, MA, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, at the age of 82.
Tom was born on May 5, 1943, to Anthony and Josephine (D’Innocenzo) in Thompsonville. After graduating from Sacred Heart, he continued his education, later earning degrees from Saint Francis College in Biddeford, ME and Boston College.
He married the love of his life, Lorraine (Barry) DeMaio, in 1966, and their 60-year marriage was a true testament to love and devotion. Together, Tom and Lorraine built a beautiful life and raised four children.
He was a devoted father to Stacey Foley and her husband Patrick, Anthony Thomas DeMaio III and his wife Nicole, Paul DeMaio and his wife Betty, and Christopher DeMaio. He was the cherished grandfather of 15 grandchildren: Alison, Conor, Bria, Anthony, Nicholas, Mackenzie, Camden, Sydney, Ruby, Natalie, Thomas, Charlotte, Emilie, Chloe, and Brooke.
Tom was also a loving brother to Paula Connelly and her partner Mario Boccabella, Francis DeMaio, and Barbara Purro and her husband Richard. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews as well as 6 treasured god children.
Tom devoted 30 years of service to the Town of Brookline, serving 18 years as the Commissioner of Public Works. He later served as General Manager of the Holyhood Cemetery Association for 16 years.
Tom’s distinguished service earned him numerous honors, including more than 50 years of involvement with the American Public Works Association (APWA), where he also served as President of the New England Chapter. Among his proudest achievements were receiving Man of the Year honors from the Brookline Chamber of Commerce in 1997 and being named one of the Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year by APWA in 1999.
In every role he held, Tom’s impact reached far beyond titles or responsibilities. He was a steady hand, a trusted mentor, and a quiet source of strength for so many. To countless people, he became more than a colleague or leader — he became family. Many lovingly called him “Dad,” a testament to the guidance, compassion, and encouragement he so freely gave.
As we mourn the loss of Tom, we also celebrate the beautiful life he lived. His legacy of strength, humility, and deep devotion to family will live on in the stories we share, the values he instilled, and the love that continues to bind us together. Though our hearts ache deeply, we find comfort in the memories he created and the lasting mark he left on our lives. Tom will forever be remembered as our protector, our guide, and the heart of our family.
Visiting hours will be held at the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA, on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 3–7 PM. Funeral from the funeral home on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 9 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Theresa of Avila Church, West Roxbury at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.