Robert Lee “Bob” Mayo passed away peacefully on September 3rd after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Bob was born on October 9, 1945, in Burlington, Vermont, to Rena Mae McMahon and Donald Francis Mayo. He grew up in Essex, Vermont, where he began building the foundation for the life and family that would mean everything to him.

Bob met the love of his life, Mary, over 62 years ago. As Bob lovingly called her, she was his “Merf.” Together, they settled in Milton, Vermont, where they raised their two sons, Michael and Daniel, and built a life filled with family, friendship, hard work, and plenty of fun. Bob and Mary also ran Mayo’s Auto Body for more than 20 years, where Bob proudly passed his knowledge, skills, and work ethic on to both of his boys.

Bob and Mary were inseparable until his very last day. They were always on the go and always together—whether it was going out to dinner with friends, shooting pool at the local bar, taking an anniversary trip, or simply enjoying each other’s company. Their love and devotion to one another was a beautiful example of a lifelong partnership.

In 2001, Bob and Mary moved to Venice, Florida, where Bob began working for Kim’s Auto Body. He continued doing what he loved until retiring in 2023.

Bob was known for his contagious smile that always seemed to be there. He loved his family deeply and was the best Papa any grandchild could ever ask for. He was famous for his fish kisses and was always ready to teach the next generation how to break down a lobster. He made sure the pool was warm and the drinks were cold for his kids and older grandchildren, and when it was time to relax, he was always the best seat in the house for the grandkids.

Bob had a deep love for the outdoors. He couldn’t wait for those cool, crisp fall mornings and made his yearly trips north from Florida to Maine or Vermont right up until the last couple of years. He would drive through all those great hunting states just to spend time hunting with old friends and making memories with new ones. When he wasn’t waiting for hunting season, you could often find him out on the water, hoping to pull in the next big catch.

And every Sunday, Bob could be counted on to tune in and watch the race.

Above all else, Bob loved his family. He was a husband, father, Papa, brother, friend, teacher, and storyteller. He shared his knowledge, his laughter, and his love freely, leaving behind countless memories that will be treasured by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of more than 62 years, Mary Mayo; his son Michael Mayo Sr. and his wife, Michelle; his son Daniel Mayo and his wife, Colleen; grandchildren Megan Cushing and her husband, Beau, Michael Mayo Jr., Kaylee Mayo, Hanna Mayo, Kylie Pernak, and Kira Pernak; great-grandchildren Payton, Lucy, Kehlani, and Nestor; his brother Donald Mayo; and his sisters Carolyn Altomar and Barbara Dippery.

He was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Rena; his brother, Stanley Mayo Sr.; and his sister, Beverly Garfield.

Bob may no longer be here to share a fish kiss, teach someone how to crack a lobster, tell a story, head out hunting, or sit beside Mary watching the race, but the memories he created and the love he gave will live on in his family and friends forever.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.