Louis Candeloro DeMeo

It is with deep sadness that our beloved Louis (Lou, Louie Boy) Candeloro DeMeo, 96, passed on May 22nd, 2025 in Las Vegas. He was a unique man of many interests, storytelling talents, and a passionate love for family.

His parents, Louis and Rosa, proudly welcomed their first son on September 10, 1928. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Louis “fibbed” his way into the US Navy at the tender age of 15. He later wrote to his mother from aboard ship that he never wanted anyone to say he didn’t fight for his country. Thus began a legendary Western Pacific Island-hopping campaign that would find him in the end as a Seaman 1st Class anti-aircraft gunner aboard the USS Zaniah, AG- 70, in the battle for Okinawa. Arriving in “Buckner Bay” on May 1st 1945 with the battle still in doubt, Louis was at his station for 77 general quarters in the next 52 days defending against kamikaze attacks. Fortune favored young Louis and his ship as they suffered no structural damage. Freshly discharged from the Navy with multiple ribbons and medals, he worked various jobs while preparing for the New York City police exam. Upon graduation from the academy, he went on to serve in the 61st precinct as a patrolman and eventually served in the department’s motorcycle division. After retirement from the NYPD, and always a shrewd and quick thinker, Louis owned and operated various businesses highlighted by his successful security and private investigations company which was licensed in three states. After several visits, he chose to settle in Las Vegas in 1976, and continued security work in addition to owning a liquor store/ tavern with a Nevada Gaming License.

As the years passed more family members would follow him to Las Vegas and a multigenerational family would become a permanent presence in Nye and Clark County. He was preceded in death by his wife Jane, his second wife Josephine, eldest son, Anthony, the former Nye County Sheriff, sister Roberta Ward, sister Margaret Enrico.

He is survived by his daughters, Matilda DeMeo McMurran (Peter) Henderson, Kathleen Bandiero, Pahrump; Debi DeMeo, Pahrump; sons Louis C. DeMeo (Darlene), North Brunswick, New Jersey, Louie E. DeMeo (Janie) Las Vegas; Kenny Leota (Janet) Howell, New Jersey; his brother William DeMeo, (DiNora) Las Vegas, sister Frances Ianni, Marlboro, New Jersey and multiple cousins, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Rest in Peace, Louie Boy, angels await you.

Viewing will be held June 3rd, 2025 at Palm Cheyenne Mortuary between 3pm and 7pm. Funeral Mass will be held June 4th, 2025 at St. Andrews Church, followed by burial at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial cemetery at 10:40 am.