Joseph Francis Mayo, Jr., MD, FACS, age 74, passed away peacefully at his home on January 12, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family. A man of remarkable intellect, compassion, and unwavering integrity, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Born on December 26, 1950 in Warren, Ohio to Joseph Francis Mayo, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth (DeSantis) Mayo, Joseph grew up with a strong sense of family, dedication, and purpose. He excelled academically from an early age, graduating as valedictorian of Warren G. Harding High School in 1969. He also earned numerous honors for both his academic and athletic achievements, including being named "Teenager of the Year" by the State of Ohio.
Joseph attended Denison University in Granville, Ohio and graduated with honors in Mathematics in 1973. His desire to make a sincere difference in people’s lives led him to pursue a medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated in 1977 and embarked on his surgical training, earning the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy. He served as the general medical officer on the USS Niagara Falls and saw the world. His military service led him to Naval bases in Oakland, California, Subic Bay in the Philippines, and Newport, Rhode Island, where he refined his surgical skills and strengthened his values of service and selfless commitment.
While stationed in Newport, Joseph's life took a beautiful turn when he met Rita Sandonato. The two were married in 1986, forming a partnership based on love, devotion, and shared aspirations. Following their marriage, Joseph completed a fellowship in vascular surgery at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Upon finishing his training, Joseph and Rita moved to Potomac, Maryland, and later to Paducah, Kentucky, where they raised their three children. Joseph’s career as a vascular and general surgeon spanned decades, practicing at Western Baptist and Lourdes Mercy Health Hospitals in Paducah, as well as St. Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was known for his ability to combine humility with brilliant surgical expertise, and quick wit with genuine empathy. Joseph considered it a privilege to treat his patients. He saved countless lives during his distinguished career.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Joseph’s personal interests were diverse and each passionately pursued. He was an avid golfer, a photographer, an accomplished artist, a music lover, and a coffee enthusiast. He was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Thomas More. Among his many talents, the gift that came most naturally was being a loving husband and father. The joy and pride of his life was his family, and he cherished the simplicity of being home together.
Joseph is survived by his wife of 38 years, Rita; two daughters, Natalie Mayo Ward (Alec) of Westwood, Massachusetts, and Alessandra Mayo Shelton (Chaz) of Cincinnati, Ohio, and his son, Joey Mayo of Paducah. He is also survived by his brothers, Dr. Frank Mayo (Phyllis) of Potomac, Maryland, and Gregory Mayo of Nashville, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Our family offers a heartfelt thank you to Mercy Health Hospice, and especially to Doc’s personal caregivers: Jeanie, Bella, Tina, and Brittany. Thank you for your gracious and exceptional care. We are forever grateful.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah. A Funeral Mass will follow at 2:00 p.m. at St.Thomas More Catholic Church, with Rev. Basilio Az Cuc officiating.
In lieu of flowers, gifts would be appreciated in honor of Dr. Joseph Mayo to support Dr. James Mastrianni’s neurology research at the University of Chicago. You may donate online at: http://giving.uchicago.edu/Joseph-Mayo
Contributions may also be made to the “University of Chicago Medicine” and sent to the following address:
University of Chicago Gift Administration
Joseph Mayo Memorial
5235 S. Harper Court, 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60615
