A funeral mass was celebrated March 27 at Holy Rosary Church, Jersey City, for William De Mio, 94, a lifelong resident of Jersey City, often referred to as “The Mayor of Congress Street.” He peacefully passed away on March 22. Born in Jersey City, he served his country in World War II as a sergeant in the 57th Bomb Wing, 489th Squadron of the Army Air Force in Africa, Sicily, Italy and Corsica. After being discharged from the service, he took over the operation and management of Art Moving Company in downtown Jersey City, which his father, Bill Sr., started in 1929. He loved to travel and tell stories about the places in Europe and Africa that he had visited during and after the war. He was also very proud of his mother who was of Irish Heritage, being sure to tell everyone especially on St. Patrick’s Day that she was a Cavanaugh from County Cork.
He was the son of the late William De Mio, Sr. and Marie Cavanaugh. He was also predeceased by his wife Blanche, his daughter Mary Elizabeth, and his longtime companion Lea De Carlo. He is survived by his sister, Lillian Marks, his son, William, III and his wife Mabel, Lea’s children; Anthony De Carlo and his wife Diane and Isabella De Carlo and her partner, Ruth, as well as grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Services arranged by the Introcaso Angelo Funeral Home, Jersey City.