Louis J. DeMaggio

Louis Joseph “Louie” DeMaggio, 91 of Littleton, Massachusetts, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023.

Born in Malden on May 24, 1931, Louie was the eldest son to the late Sylvester and Diana (Dettore) DeMaggio. As a child, his grandmother often sent him to collect rent from tenants and he was not allowed to leave their door without taking their money. As he grew up, he worked as a soda jerk and in family stores in the area. During high school, Louie was an active artist who designed artwork for his yearbook and was also on the committee for making props and decorating for prom. In all his yearbook photos, you can see his happiness and talent for making people laugh. He graduated from Malden High School in 1949 then went on to art school. When he graduated from art school, Louie accepted a job as a commercial artist for Telegraph and Bell doing advertisements in the yellow pages which then became Nynex; where he stayed for 40 years until his retirement.

At the same time of his graduation from high school, Louie met the love of his life, Beverly Lohnes on a blind date; they were inseparable ever since. They married on December 21, 1952, and moved to Everett; living in his relative’s home in an apartment on Ferry Street. They then purchased property in Woburn next to his brother Joe on Houghton Street where Louie worked with a designer to create their dream home. In addition, they also purchased property in Maine at Sugarloaf ski area where they built a small cozy ski cabin.

Louie was very close to his brothers Gus and Victor. During his school years, he had a strong bond with Gus who he loved driving around with in their big car; and going to the beach with Bev and Helen. Louie also loved his baby brother Victor whom he had a close relationship with as well. They spent time together each week whether just visiting or helping with their aging parents.

A very active man, Louie worked in the yard tirelessly gardening and trimming. They loved to have friends over to their home which was perfectly suited for entertaining.  He encouraged his children in sports and art; playing tennis with them and tossing a softball. He would wake up at 5 AM to go play tennis where he met his friend Yuri who became his tennis partner for many years.

An avid skier, Louie was a ski bum who worked from home. He would travel to Maine every weekend,  where he had a ski camp and spent his free hours skiing and taking his daughters to ski lessons. His family (nieces, nephews and their parents) would often come to stay in the small cozy camp.

They loved to entertain, even in Maine, developing lifelong friendships with the residents on Fir Ave. In addition, his other big passion was sailing. From his early adulthood, Louie loved the water and sailboats. He took lessons; eventually purchasing his first sailboat followed by several others over the years. He loved to spend evenings sipping his rum and listening to his classical music on his boat at Constitution Marina. He spent many years sailing with his uncle and cousin or toting family members around for a tour of Boston Harbor. His other hobby was his art, painting, sculpting, all mediums; much of his sketches and paintings depict the things around him that he loved; sailboats, his view from the house, the camp; he would find a piece of wood and see something in it and carve an animal or human figure.

Louie’s greatest achievement was his strength and perseverance and willingness to try anything new. He enjoyed family, a good laugh and food. He loved driving in the car and enjoyed his art projects and reading.

In addition to his parents, Louie was predeceased by his wife, Beverly J. DeMaggio; brothers, Gus DeMaggio, Joe DeMaggio, and Victor DeMaggio.

Louie is lovingly survived by his daughters, Livia (DeMaggio) Brine and spouse Joseph Brine, and Elysia (DeMaggio) Murphy and spouse John Murphy; sister-in-law, Mary Evans and her children Karen, Cheryl and Jimmy, Tommy Capachietti and their sons Tommy, David and Stephen; Grandchildren Kierra Murphy and Jacqueline Murphy; other nieces and nephews from his brothers who include, include Victor Jr., Peter, Derna, Lisa and Gussie, Joey, Leslie, Dougie and Diana.

Family and friends will gather to remember Louie on Friday, May 26, 2023, from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, in Littleton. A Funeral Service will be held at 7:00 PM in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions honoring Louie may be directed to the Memorial funds established Louis J. DeMaggio Scholarship for Mass College of Art, DeMaggio Trust, 323 King Street, Littleton, MA 01460.

Arrangements under the care of Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton, MA 01460 (978)-486-3709,  www.badgerfuneral.com.