Celebrating the life of
John R. Mayo, Jr
November 29, 1961 - April 22, 2016
John Randall Mayo, Jr, passed away Friday, April 22, 2016.
Born November 29, 1961, John grew up in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where his family has lived since the landing of the Mayflower. While growing up, John loved roaming the Cape beaches and spending time with his parents, grandparents, aunt and uncles while they worked on the family duck farm and restaurant. He was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Nauset High School where he played tennis. Influenced by a family friend, he studied aerospace engineering while at the University of Southern California. After graduating, he began his career at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, Connecticut. While at Sikorsky, he earned his master’s degree in electrical engineering from Yale University, received his first patent, and met his wife Amy. Rounding out his 20 years at Sikorsky, John served as the Assistant Program Manager on the UH-60L BLACK HAWK Helicopter.
John moved to Savannah in 2005 to work for Gulfstream Aerospace as the Program Manager for Advanced Flight Controls. He later became the Director of Advanced Technology Programs, focusing on the G650 and G500/G600 aircraft programs. He was part of the team that won the 2014 Collier Trophy for innovative development of the G650 Aircraft.
John was a world traveler, and enjoyed traveling for both work and pleasure. Some of his most memorable work trips were to China, Russia and Panama/Guatemala. While in Russia, he delivered a paper in Russian to the Russian Aeronautical Society. Of his family trips, Scotland, Deer Valley, Utah and Sun Valley, Idaho were highlights; as well as his yearly vacation to Cape Cod. An avid tennis player, John competed on the Savannah Yacht Club teams. He completed nine marathons and also enjoyed biking and skiing. John loved being near the water and spent much time paddle boarding with his daughter and dreamed of the day when he would captain his own Boston Whaler.
As much as John enjoyed his career and athletic endeavors, he was a devoted family man. He attended as many of his children's events as he could and loved to participate in road races with his kids. When his sons were younger, he was the Cub Master of Troop 26 in Savannah. He also enjoyed photographing his children's pursuits and creating memories for them.
John is survived by his wife Amy, his three children, his father John Randall Mayo, Sr., mother Faye Ramsay, sisters Virginia, Emily, and Amy, and brothers Eric, Alex, and Adam.
John was a caring, compassionate, and humble man. He will be remembered for his enthusiasm for any and all of his children's pursuits, his dedication to his job and his devotion to his Cape Cod heritage. He will be greatly missed.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, April 29, 2016 from 5-7pm at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel. A private service will be held for family in Cape Cod at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Orleans Historical Society, P.O. Box 353, Orleans, Ma 026653; or the Howard Hand in Hand Support Program for Children c/o Howard Family Dental Foundation, 1020 Bryan Woods Loop, Suite 6, Savannah, Ga 31410; or the Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute at Memorial Medical Center, Savannah, Georgia,
Dear Mayo Family, John was a classmate of mine at Nauset. I have enjoyed watching how devoted he was and how much he loved his family through social media over the years. He was a good person and my heart is broken for his children. My deepest condolences to all of you.
- Brenda Gallant Evans, Centerville, MA
To the Mayo Family, Please accept my most sincere and heartfelt condolences for the loss of John. He was truly a humble, kind and wonderful human being. I had the pleasure of working by his side at Gulfstream, and I would look up to him at all times for the man that he was and the role model that he represented to me. His sense of humor, his life stories and everything about him will be missed. I am heartbroken for his wife and his children and I wish them all a world of patience to get through these hard times. John will be in our thoughts forever.
- Soheyl Afaghi, Irvine, CA
Dear Mayo Family. We were so very sad to hear of Johns passing. Our thoughts and prayers and hugs are with you during this sad time. Best wishes for peace and healing. Much love, Sheryl and Zhibek
- Sheryl and Zhibek , Arlington , Va
Dear Amy, I am very sad to hear the loss of a wonderful friend like John. We will always remember him as a loving person dedicated to family, brilliant engineer and a friend who always had a smile and warmth. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
- Deniz Dalay-Pete Saloomey, Fairfield, CT
Dear Mayo Family, I was very saddened to hear the news of Nate's fathers passing. I wish I was able to travel down to Savannah with the rest of my fraternity brothers and pay my respects. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
- Dan Walsworth, Winston-Salem, NC
Dear Amy, I was so saddened to hear the news. My thoughts are with you and your family. My heart is heavy and words are few. I will always remember John as a wonderful friend and cohort at Sikorsky. A special person with whom I shared so many talks, laughs and wonderful times. Deepest condolences.
- Karen (Duncan) Jaran, Shanghai, China
Dear Ginger and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Ken Maynard
- Kenneth Maynard, Provincetown, MA
Amy, Our condolences on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. He was one of the industry's true gentlemen.
- Art Gagnon, Dove Canyon, Ca
Amy - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. John's passing is a huge shock and loss to many. He was a remarkable talented contributor at Gulfstream. He will be sorely missed. Preston and Connie Henne
- Preston Henne, Hilton Head Island, SC
Amy, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and your family at this time.
- Karyn Gallagher, New Haven, CT
Dear Amy and family, We were deeply saddened to learn of John's passing. We remember him as a gifted engineer and a wonderful person. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Sincerely, Laura and Tom Griest
- Griest, Orange, CT
we are truly sorry to hear of John's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. I worked with John at Sikorsky for many years and it was sad to see him and Amy leave. He was always positive and happy and a great father. He will be missed greatly. Manny and Judy Psaltis
- Psaltis, stratford, ct
Dear Mayo Family, Please accept my deepest condolences with John's passing. He was a great man that I deeply respected and had the pleasure to work with on several Gulfstream programs. He was always professional, kind, positive and a great leader on all of his projects. We at Parker Aerospace will miss him greatly. Our prayers are with your family during this incredibly difficult time. John will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Sincerely, Guy Martin
- Guy Martin, Irvine, CA
We are so saddened by this sudden news. All of us at BAE Systems that worked with John on the G500 were always impressed by his expertise and professionalism. We will miss him dearly. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Ehtisham Siddiqui, Endicott, ny
I am truly sorry to hear of John's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Amy, their children, family and friends. I've worked with John for over 5 years and can't begin to explain my deep respect for his intelligence and ability to manage successfully extremely complex programs. Simply put he was the best at whatever he undertook. A truly great man that will be missed dearly.
- Chris Frazer, Atlanta, GA
We are so sorry for your loss, and we are praying for you and your family.
- Rick, Jeanette, Andrea, and Brin Carson, Savannah, GA
I was deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. I was a Nauset classmate of his and still remember his kindness, good humor, and keen intelligence in high school. When I saw him about six years ago, he still had that same wittiness and cheer I recalled. As my dad would say, "He was one of the good guys." The world has lost him far too soon. Sending love and prayers of comfort to his family, Chris Gibson Price
- Chris Gibson Price, Concord, MA
Our deepest sympathy to the Mayo family. May God fill your hearts with peace and comfort as you remember John's life, his sense of humor, and contagious can do positive attitude. He is already missed. Thank you John for everything.
- Jeff & Mary Borja, Pooler, Ga
With sincere sympathy to John's family. I had the privilege of working with John for the last 3 years on several of his Gulfstream programs. John was a highly valued and respected member of the team and his many contributions to the success of the programs he supported will be greatly missed.
- Merrilee Elliott, Irvine, CA
Amy, you and your family are in our prayers. I am sorry for your loss.
- The Lamas family, Savannah, GA
Our heartfelt condolences to Amy and their beautiful kids. We recall John as a sweet, thoughtful, funny, loving and family-oriented man. I just learned of his passing from a Facebook friend of his (when I reached out to say hi). It is quite a shock as I remember him as a healthy and fit runner, skiier, etc. I cannot tell you what a shock this is! Our prayers go out to you! We hope you are all surrounded by love and care. Love, Dianne, Mike and Christian
- Dianne Pacl (and Mike and Christian Cerrone), Orange, CT
My condolences to Amy and the children. I first met John when our boys were in cub scouts together. He was a great leader for the boys and it was a joy to work with him. I wish you fond memories of your time together. My prayers are with you.
- Donnis Markin, Tybee Island, GA
To all of the family members, I am so sorry for your loss . John had a great impact in my life as well and I am so lucky to have had him in my life as a best friend. My love and prayers are with you all.
- Andy Payne, Moodus , Ct
Sending my condolence, love and prayers to all of the Mayo family at this difficult time. I pray for comfort and strength for my friend Ginger. Rest in peace John.
- Jennifer L Austin (Taylor), Kissimmee, FL
Sorry for your loss praying that God wraps you in his wings of healing. RIP John
- Kimberly Willard, Brewster, Mass
With deepest sympathy to all of John's family, especially Amy and their children, sister Virginia, John and Faye, and all others of John's inlaws and Mayos far and wide. With love, and the fondest memories of John, and his last visit to London in December 2015 for the Royal Aeronautical Society's prize that he and his team at Gulfstream won. What a great guy. We'll all miss him deeply.
- Caro and Charley Hill and family, London, England, UK
Dear Virginia and family. I just wanted to express my condolences for your loss. I wish for nothing but the best for all of you in this difficult time. warmest Danica
- danica kirka, london, uk
Amy - All of our thoughts are with you and your family. Despite time and distance John was a great friend and he will be missed.
- Rob & Jennifer Kass, Portland, OR
John Mayo was a wonderful person. My condolences. I loved him!
- Duncan Robinson, Washington DC, Md
May the good lord give love and comfort and open the heaven for your highest flight. May god bless you family with over abundance love.
- Jim & Robin Kuhn, Chino, Calif
John you are gone too soon we grew up toghter on Cape Cod and your sister was my best friend. Then I find out you had moved to Savannah and was surprised . You were a great man and your sister is heartbroken, I'm still shocked. Prayers to your family and rip. Nancy
- Nancy Shores, Savannah, Ga., GA.
Please know that even though we cannot begin to know the pain and sorrow you and your family are suffering, our hearts are broken with yours. We are deeply saddened by the loss of John. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
- Bob, Vanne, Lane and Seth Hanberry, Savannah, GA
Dear Mayo Family, John was a classmate of mine at Nauset. I have enjoyed watching how devoted he was and how much he loved his family through social media over the years. He was a good person and my heart is broken for his children. My deepest condolences to all of you.
- Brenda Gallant Evans, Centerville, MA
To the Mayo Family, Please accept my most sincere and heartfelt condolences for the loss of John. He was truly a humble, kind and wonderful human being. I had the pleasure of working by his side at Gulfstream, and I would look up to him at all times for the man that he was and the role model that he represented to me. His sense of humor, his life stories and everything about him will be missed. I am heartbroken for his wife and his children and I wish them all a world of patience to get through these hard times. John will be in our thoughts forever.
- Soheyl Afaghi, Irvine, CA
Dear Mayo Family. We were so very sad to hear of Johns passing. Our thoughts and prayers and hugs are with you during this sad time. Best wishes for peace and healing. Much love, Sheryl and Zhibek
- Sheryl and Zhibek , Arlington , Va
Dear Amy, I am very sad to hear the loss of a wonderful friend like John. We will always remember him as a loving person dedicated to family, brilliant engineer and a friend who always had a smile and warmth. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
- Deniz Dalay-Pete Saloomey, Fairfield, CT
Dear Mayo Family, I was very saddened to hear the news of Nate's fathers passing. I wish I was able to travel down to Savannah with the rest of my fraternity brothers and pay my respects. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
- Dan Walsworth, Winston-Salem, NC
Dear Amy, I was so saddened to hear the news. My thoughts are with you and your family. My heart is heavy and words are few. I will always remember John as a wonderful friend and cohort at Sikorsky. A special person with whom I shared so many talks, laughs and wonderful times. Deepest condolences.
- Karen (Duncan) Jaran, Shanghai, China
Dear Ginger and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Ken Maynard
- Kenneth Maynard, Provincetown, MA
Amy, Our condolences on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. He was one of the industry's true gentlemen.
- Art Gagnon, Dove Canyon, Ca
Amy - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. John's passing is a huge shock and loss to many. He was a remarkable talented contributor at Gulfstream. He will be sorely missed. Preston and Connie Henne
- Preston Henne, Hilton Head Island, SC
Amy, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and your family at this time.
- Karyn Gallagher, New Haven, CT
Dear Amy and family, We were deeply saddened to learn of John's passing. We remember him as a gifted engineer and a wonderful person. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Sincerely, Laura and Tom Griest
- Griest, Orange, CT
we are truly sorry to hear of John's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. I worked with John at Sikorsky for many years and it was sad to see him and Amy leave. He was always positive and happy and a great father. He will be missed greatly. Manny and Judy Psaltis
- Psaltis, stratford, ct
Dear Mayo Family, Please accept my deepest condolences with John's passing. He was a great man that I deeply respected and had the pleasure to work with on several Gulfstream programs. He was always professional, kind, positive and a great leader on all of his projects. We at Parker Aerospace will miss him greatly. Our prayers are with your family during this incredibly difficult time. John will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Sincerely, Guy Martin
- Guy Martin, Irvine, CA
We are so saddened by this sudden news. All of us at BAE Systems that worked with John on the G500 were always impressed by his expertise and professionalism. We will miss him dearly. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Ehtisham Siddiqui, Endicott, ny
I am truly sorry to hear of John's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Amy, their children, family and friends. I've worked with John for over 5 years and can't begin to explain my deep respect for his intelligence and ability to manage successfully extremely complex programs. Simply put he was the best at whatever he undertook. A truly great man that will be missed dearly.
- Chris Frazer, Atlanta, GA
We are so sorry for your loss, and we are praying for you and your family.
- Rick, Jeanette, Andrea, and Brin Carson, Savannah, GA
I was deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. I was a Nauset classmate of his and still remember his kindness, good humor, and keen intelligence in high school. When I saw him about six years ago, he still had that same wittiness and cheer I recalled. As my dad would say, "He was one of the good guys." The world has lost him far too soon. Sending love and prayers of comfort to his family, Chris Gibson Price
- Chris Gibson Price, Concord, MA
Our deepest sympathy to the Mayo family. May God fill your hearts with peace and comfort as you remember John's life, his sense of humor, and contagious can do positive attitude. He is already missed. Thank you John for everything.
- Jeff & Mary Borja, Pooler, Ga
With sincere sympathy to John's family. I had the privilege of working with John for the last 3 years on several of his Gulfstream programs. John was a highly valued and respected member of the team and his many contributions to the success of the programs he supported will be greatly missed.
- Merrilee Elliott, Irvine, CA
Amy, you and your family are in our prayers. I am sorry for your loss.
- The Lamas family, Savannah, GA
Our heartfelt condolences to Amy and their beautiful kids. We recall John as a sweet, thoughtful, funny, loving and family-oriented man. I just learned of his passing from a Facebook friend of his (when I reached out to say hi). It is quite a shock as I remember him as a healthy and fit runner, skiier, etc. I cannot tell you what a shock this is! Our prayers go out to you! We hope you are all surrounded by love and care. Love, Dianne, Mike and Christian
- Dianne Pacl (and Mike and Christian Cerrone), Orange, CT
My condolences to Amy and the children. I first met John when our boys were in cub scouts together. He was a great leader for the boys and it was a joy to work with him. I wish you fond memories of your time together. My prayers are with you.
- Donnis Markin, Tybee Island, GA
To all of the family members, I am so sorry for your loss . John had a great impact in my life as well and I am so lucky to have had him in my life as a best friend. My love and prayers are with you all.
- Andy Payne, Moodus , Ct
Sending my condolence, love and prayers to all of the Mayo family at this difficult time. I pray for comfort and strength for my friend Ginger. Rest in peace John.
- Jennifer L Austin (Taylor), Kissimmee, FL
Sorry for your loss praying that God wraps you in his wings of healing. RIP John
- Kimberly Willard, Brewster, Mass
With deepest sympathy to all of John's family, especially Amy and their children, sister Virginia, John and Faye, and all others of John's inlaws and Mayos far and wide. With love, and the fondest memories of John, and his last visit to London in December 2015 for the Royal Aeronautical Society's prize that he and his team at Gulfstream won. What a great guy. We'll all miss him deeply.
- Caro and Charley Hill and family, London, England, UK
Dear Virginia and family. I just wanted to express my condolences for your loss. I wish for nothing but the best for all of you in this difficult time. warmest Danica
- danica kirka, london, uk
Amy - All of our thoughts are with you and your family. Despite time and distance John was a great friend and he will be missed.
- Rob & Jennifer Kass, Portland, OR
John Mayo was a wonderful person. My condolences. I loved him!
- Duncan Robinson, Washington DC, Md
May the good lord give love and comfort and open the heaven for your highest flight. May god bless you family with over abundance love.
- Jim & Robin Kuhn, Chino, Calif
John you are gone too soon we grew up toghter on Cape Cod and your sister was my best friend. Then I find out you had moved to Savannah and was surprised . You were a great man and your sister is heartbroken, I'm still shocked. Prayers to your family and rip. Nancy
- Nancy Shores, Savannah, Ga., GA.
Please know that even though we cannot begin to know the pain and sorrow you and your family are suffering, our hearts are broken with yours. We are deeply saddened by the loss of John. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
- Bob, Vanne, Lane and Seth Hanberry, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
