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Louis Alfred Mauro Jr., 75, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Wayne UNC Health Care in Goldsboro. Louis was born in Wayne County to the late Louis A. Mauro Sr. and Evelyn Baddour Mauro on May 30, 1948. Louis is survived by his son, Louis A. Mauro III of Manns Harbor; daughter, Rebecka Ann McDonald of Williamsburg, VA; grandchildren, Abel, Seth, Adam and Jude; and his longtime partner and friend, Sharon Mayer Price.

He proudly served in the North Carolina National Guard for over 30 years.  After completing Officer Candidate School in 1970 he was trained as a helicopter pilot and was assigned duties throughout the state. He often took on the most difficult assignments as he was viewed as one of the leading pilots in the state. He flew Apaches in Desert Storm and was the first pilot to be fitted with a Black Hawk helmet. Upon completing his service he was recognized for outstanding achievement and service to the National Guard and retired after 32 years as a Lieutenant Colonel. The skills he learned in the military carried over into his career and civilian life. For many years, Louis owned and operated his own company, Lands End, in Manteo, North Carolina. He also served as a Police officer with Goldsboro Police Department and as a deputy with the Dare County Sheriff’s Department. He was a Medevac pilot for the Dare County Sheriff’s Department for 15 years.

“Weegie” as his close friends and family fondly knew him, grew up on Evergreen Street in Goldsboro. His “Sitti ” was a mother of 6 and had a rich Lebanese heritage that was a big part of his and his cousins’ lives who were all very close throughout the years and all took pride in honoring their family traditions. They kept in touch sharing time and recipes up until the last days of his life. His time on the Outer Banks was over 30 years spent alongside the water where he’d enjoyed water sports, kayaking, boating, shrimping, and fishing. He shelled soft shell crabs for several seasons, providing to local restaurants and suppliers. He shared his love of the water with his children and grandchildren. Being a man of little fear and a vast knowledge of weapons, he would shoot off snakes as the children played in the shoreline and go right back to enjoying a cigar and watching the sunset.

He was an animal lover, giving homes to all kinds of furred and feathered pets. He’d take on strays his kids would bring home, or find them himself. He was an amazing cook. There was always something on his stove or in his oven, and he’d be sure to share it with you. He always had a quip and a joke that would lighten your spirits (as long as it wasn’t about you, and if it wasn’t) it wasn’t uncommon to laugh until you cried in his company. He was a jack of all trades, except he knew much about many things, not just a little. You’d regret not taking his advice if he took the time to give it to you, and he wouldn’t let you forget it if you didn’t, but that was only because he wanted the best for you, whether you were friend or family to him, and some of us were lucky enough to be both, even if not by blood. Remember his “Weegie-isms” whether he “loved you more than Peter loved the Lord” or whether you were over-reacting and “pole-vaulting over mouse turds”, and raise a glass to him. A man worth remembering.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his memory to the Wayne County Animal Shelter, 1600 Clingman Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530.

At his request, no formal services will be held.

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com. Please email his daughter, Rebecka at becka@hogangrp.com to share any photos or stories about this one of a kind man.

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