Bob DeMayo, Iconic North Haven Coach and Mentor, Dies: Community Honors a Life of Unmatched Legacy and Leadership
It is with heartfelt sorrow and deep respect that we reflect on the life and legacy of Bob DeMayo of North Haven, Connecticut, a beloved community leader, legendary coach, and dedicated mentor who passed away, leaving behind a lifetime of achievements and immeasurable impact. His passing marks the end of an extraordinary era in Connecticut high school sports and serves as a moment of deep reflection for the countless lives he touched over his many decades of service.
For over 60 years, Coach Bob DeMayo was more than just a name on the field—he was the heart and soul of North Haven High School’s baseball program, shaping not only great athletes but outstanding young men. His dedication to the game and to his students set a gold standard that went far beyond wins and losses. Under his leadership, the North Haven Indians became one of the most respected and admired teams in the state, with more than 900 career wins under his belt and multiple championships and accolades that etched his name into the annals of Connecticut sports history.
But for those who knew Bob, it wasn’t just the records he broke or the games he won—it was how he carried himself. He was known for his unwavering integrity, deep humility, and a fierce love for his players, many of whom credit him with shaping the direction of their lives long after graduation. He was a mentor in the truest sense, teaching discipline, respect, teamwork, and perseverance—lessons that extended far beyond the baseball diamond.
Born and raised with a deep appreciation for family and community, Bob’s ties to North Haven ran deep. He graduated from Quinnipiac College, where he also played baseball, before beginning his long and storied teaching and coaching career. He served not only as a coach but as a physical education teacher, respected educator, and community figure who showed up for everyone—from Little League hopefuls to senior community members. His presence at local events, school functions, and charity initiatives made him a fixture in the town and a symbol of steadfast dedication.
Bob’s accolades over the years were numerous. He was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the National High School Coaches Hall of Fame and the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and he received countless lifetime achievement awards. Yet, despite the recognition, he remained humble, always quick to redirect the spotlight to his players, his assistants, and his family.
Above all, Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a man of deep character whose legacy of love, commitment, and leadership will live on not only in North Haven, but throughout the state and beyond. He believed in the power of sports to build community and character, and he embodied that belief in every practice, every game, and every conversation.
Tributes have poured in from former players, colleagues, and admirers across generations. One former player wrote, “Coach DeMayo didn’t just teach us how to play the game—he taught us how to be men, how to be accountable, and how to treat others with respect.”
Plans for memorial services and tributes are being coordinated by the family and town officials. In honor of his enduring legacy, there is already a movement to rename North Haven’s baseball field in his memory—an enduring tribute to the man who gave his life to the sport and the young men who played it.
As North Haven grieves the loss of a giant, we also celebrate the incredible life he lived—a life of leadership, integrity, kindness, and excellence.
Rest in peace, Coach Bob DeMayo. Your legacy lives on in every swing of the bat, every young athlete striving for greatness, and every life you so deeply touched. You will never be forgotten.