John Richard Mayo
Did you know John? Please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
John Richard Mayo (60) of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully on September 11th, 2021, one week after suffering cardiac arrest while out for his Saturday morning run with friends.
John was born in Morristown, New Jersey to the late Richard W. and Lois H. Mayo. He was raised in Mendham and attended the University of Colorado at Boulder where he graduated with degrees in Anthropology and Political Science. He attended Arizona State College of Law, where he received his J.D. after winning Best Brief in the National Environmental Moot Court Competition. He started his career as a judicial clerk in the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey, after which he worked at Shanley & Fisher in Morristown before spending the rest of his career as in-house counsel for several manufacturing companies starting with Coltec Industries which led him to Charlotte, NC and later serving as General Counsel for Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company, Latexco, LLC and Fairbanks Morse, LLC.
John had a very full life outside of his legal career. Aside from running, which began with the NYC Marathon in 1989, he loved caring for his farm, traveling extensively with his family, whether at the beach in NC, snorkeling and chasing lava flows in Hawaii, or exploring Europe and, most recently, Iceland this summer. In the winter, he skied with family and friends in Montana, Utah, and Colorado. He spent many hours tending to his properties, clearing trails through the woods, and planting many trees over the years including redwood trees that now stand 50 feet tall.
John was a long-time member of the Charlotte Ballet Board of Trustees and volunteered with Innovate Charlotte, mentoring entrepreneurs. Even in death he continued to help others through organ donation.
John leaves behind his wife Judy, daughters Melissa and Jessica and son Dylan; sister Deb (Karl) of Chester; sister Karen (Rod) of St. Johnsbury, VT; brother Chris (Benita) of Albuquerque, NM; many other relatives including 15 nieces and nephews; and Willow, his beloved chocolate lab.
Memorial contributions can be made to Charlotte Ballet or TreesCharlotte in his memory.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.