Augustus E. DeMaggio
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Augustus "Gus" DeMaggio passed away peacefully at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care at DHMC on February 24, 2022 at the age of 89.
He never ceased to be amazed and grateful for how wonderful a life he had. He cherished his family, career, good health and good fortune.
Born on April 22, 1932 in Malden, Massachusetts to Sylvester "Eddie" and Derna "Diana" DeMaggio, he spent his early years in the Boston suburbs. Gus left Malden High School before graduating, finding work in an automobile assembly plant. Quickly realizing the importance of completing his education he returned to complete classes for his diploma. He then matriculated at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy graduating with both MS and BS degrees. This was followed by graduate studies at Harvard University, from which he received an AM and PhD in Biology:Botany. He taught at Rutgers University and was then recruited to join the faculty at Dartmouth College where he taught from 1964 until his retirement in 2002. He derived immense pleasure from teaching, and maintained relationships with many of his students long after their graduations. He headed an active research laboratory generating significant research and publications.
Gus was fascinated by space exploration and was delighted to be asked by NASA to be on several space biology and life science peer review and research panels. He continued to be a consultant for NASA until his retirement, assessing the feasibility and scientific merit of many of the research projects approved for the space program.
Later in his career he was named Chair of the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Program at Dartmouth College where he taught, was a graduate student advisor and appreciated sharing ideas and conversations with faculty and students from other disciplines at the College.
While Gus had a prolific career, it was his family that was truly the center of his life. He was devoted to Helen, his wife of 65 years until her death in 2019. They had an active social life, hosting "apres-ski" parties after a day at the Dartmouth skiway, weekend get-aways, and impromptu cocktail parties. Gus and Helen loved to dress up and go dancing; they would often be discovered dancing in the kitchen after dinner. They loved being together-doubles tennis, out for dinner, even going to the grocery store was a couple's outing. Gus and Helen were frequently seen at their children's, (and later at grandchildren's) sporting events.
Along with their three children, Derna, Lisa and Gus Jr. they traveled, camped, skied, played tennis and spent time at Storrs Pond, always happy to be together.
Friendly and gregarious, Gus was always willing to stop and have a conversation. He had a wide circle of friends and acquaintances; through his work, volunteer activities and the myriad athletic activities he loved. An enthusiastic skier, tennis player and golfer he was driven and competitive. He had a sharp intellect and curious nature, always reading and researching. Despite declining health he maintained his optimistic and grateful spirit.
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He was preceded in death by his wife Helen, his mother and father, as well as brothers Joseph and Victor. Survived by children Derna DeMaggio, Lisa Cudhea (Cameron), Augustus "Gus" DeMaggio, Jr. (Mihaela); granddaughters Taylor Cudhea, Elaina DeMaggio and Maria DeMaggio; grandsons Aiden Cudhea and Caiyu DeMaggio; brother Louis DeMaggio and numerous nieces and nephews particularly Rosemary DeVita whom he considered "one of the family".
The family wishes to thank Dr. Christine Medora at the Hanover Continuity Clinic for the personal and professional care she and her staff provided Gus over many years. Dr. Keisuke Shirai and his team at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center were unfailing in their kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion and encouragement. The staff at The Villages in White River Junction opened their arms and surrounded him with warmth and support.
Finally, the doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers at the Jack Byrne Center for Hospice and Palliative Care at DHMC provided Gus a safe and comfortable place to complete his wonderful journey with grace and dignity.
At Gus's request there will be no calling hours or funeral.
To view an online memorial and/or send a message of condolence to the family, please visit, www.rand-wilson.com.