Demane, Paul

Description

Paul Bert Demane was born on May 13, 1897, in Stamford, Connecticut, the son of Leonard Demane and Carmela Riccio. He was raised in Rye, New York, where he lived at 23 High Street as part of a large family with deep roots in the local community.

Growing up in Rye at the turn of the twentieth century, Demane was part of a working-class environment shaped by trade, service occupations, and proximity to New York City. His upbringing reflects the experience of second-generation American families of Italian descent establishing stability and identity within the region.

World War I Service

Demane registered for the draft on June 5, 1918, in Westchester County, New York, listing his residence at 23 High Street in Rye and identifying his nearest relative as his father, Leonard Demane.

He entered military service in the United States Navy on July 2, 1918, training at the Naval Training Camp at Pelham Bay Park, one of the Navy’s principal wartime training facilities.

He served as a Mess Attendant, Third Class, a role essential to maintaining daily operations aboard naval installations and vessels. Mess attendants were responsible for food preparation, service, and general support duties that ensured the well-being and efficiency of sailors, making their work a vital component of naval operations.

Demane was assigned to Section Base No. 6 in Brooklyn, New York, where he served from September 18, 1918, to November 11, 1918, the date of the Armistice. His service was conducted within the United States, and his record indicates that he sustained no wounds in action.

He was honorably discharged on December 19, 1918.

Life After Service

Following his military service, Demane established a long and stable civilian life. In 1938, he relocated to Cortland, New York, where he became a longtime resident and active member of the community.

He was employed by the Peck Furniture Company for approximately forty years, demonstrating a consistent and dedicated work ethic. He retired in 1977 after a lengthy career.

Demane remained closely connected to his wartime service through lifelong membership in the American Legion, maintaining affiliation with the Cortland Post for more than fifty years.

Paul Bert Demane died on April 28, 1980, at Cortland Memorial Hospital at the age of 82.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Anna Hoevel Demane; his sons, Paul B. Demane Jr. of Cortland and Walter F. Demane of Plattsburgh, New York; and eight grandchildren.

His funeral was held at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, and he was buried in Cortland Rural Cemetery.

Record Commentary: Solid second-generation immigrant profile with clear naval service explanation. Mess Attendant role is appropriately contextualized, and postwar life demonstrates strong continuity and community stability.

Tier Rating: A-