Anthony "Tony" Peter Mayo

Anthony “Tony” Peter Mayo, age 56, passed away unexpectedly on November 16, 2025. Born on November 21, 1968 in Troy, New York, Tony found his passion for cooking in his 20s after being influenced by his stepfather, Raymond Ryan, and worked as a chef at many restaurants in the New England area and down the east coast, most notably the Arad Evans Inn in Fayetteville, New York and J’s Oyster Bar in Portland, Maine before settling in Michigan, where he called home for the last 20 years. Tony started working at Mediterrano in Ann Arbor when first arriving in Michigan and then opened the Quarter Bistro in 2005 in Ann Arbor where he also met his wife Kaisa Hartman, whom he married in 2012. Kaisa’s family became his, and Tony continued to open restaurants in the Southeast Michigan area over the next few years. One of Tony’s proudest moments in his career was being hired as the Sous Chef for the world famous Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan for the 2013 season. He and Kaisa moved back to Saline after the season was over and started a small catering business. Tony also worked for the Guild at the Ann Arbor Art Fair for many years before and after Mackinac Island. He volunteered for many community events after moving to Saline in 2013 and met many more people in the process. Tony lived many lives in his short one. Prior to his career as a chef, Tony worked on fishing boats in Maine, followed the Grateful Dead around selling tie dyed tshirts at their concerts, traveled the country and was a certified scuba diver just to name a few. He enjoyed motorcycles and raced with his brothers growing up and also enjoyed playing the drums. Tony had a great knowledge of many things. He could change the oil in a car, fix a lawnmower, install a backsplash, paint a room, install a bathroom vanity, hang a light fixture, build a cabinet, hem pants and still cook a gourmet meal at the end of the day. Along the way, Tony met so many different people with his infectious and charming personality. He has left an indelible mark on each and every one of us for so many reasons. He is predeceased by parents Corey Mayo, Sr., Susan Ryan and Raymond Ryan. A memorial for Tony is planned for early 2026 in Michigan, and a Memorial in New York will also take place at a later date. ____________________________________ Beloved Brother • Brilliant Chef • Cherished Soul Anthony “Tony” Mayo, a gifted chef and deeply loved brother, passed away unexpectedly sometime in the late hours of Sunday, November 16th. He would have been 57 yrs old on November 21st. He was a man whose presence left an impression on everyone he met — warm, witty, generous, and instantly unforgettable. Tony had a rare ability to make people feel comfortable and seen, and he carried a natural charm that made strangers gravitate toward him. Tony began his culinary journey in Central New York, working in both Syracuse, Fayetteville, and Manlius including at the Calvary Club, and the Craftsman Wood Grille & Tap House on Genesee Street. Even early in his career, his instinct for flavor and his creative approach to food were unmistakable. His skill and passion eventually brought him to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he became a respected figure in the local restaurant community. After making his mark at The Quarter Bistro, he was recruited in 2010 to help shape the globally inspired Passport Restaurant & Lounge. Local publications praised him as a culinary force behind its inventive menu, highlighting his ability to blend diverse influences — Cajun, tapas, French, Asian, and more — into dishes that reflected both imagination and heart. Outside the kitchen, Tony found joy and meaning in many things. He loved gardening, nurturing plants with patience and affection. He found comfort and expression in playing the drums, letting rhythm and sound guide him. He followed the music he loved with enthusiasm, embracing new experiences and connections along the way. Tony also felt at home in the vibrant atmosphere of the Ann Arbor art fair community, where he appreciated the creativity, energy, and sense of belonging that surrounded it. His openness to life, his curiosity, and his willingness to follow what moved him were central to who he was. Tony’s life was full of color, warmth, humor, and connection. Though he faced difficult moments, those who knew him remember the whole man — his kindness, his bright mind, his generosity, and the unmistakable spark he brought into every room. He lived with heart, and the people around him felt it. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will carry his memory always: a brother whose light was unmistakable, whose presence made moments richer, and whose spirit will continue to live on in the stories, meals, gardens, and music that remind us of him. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the same warmth and love he shared so freely with others. Cremation has taken place. Memorial contributions in Tony’s name encouraged to: Sanctuary Farms, 3171 Lakeview Street, Detroit, MI 48215. www.sanctuaryfarming.com To leave a memory you have of Tony, to sign his online guestbook or for more information, please visit www.rbfhsaline.com Arrangements entrusted to the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home in Saline.

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Anthony "Tony" Peter Mayo

November 21, 1968 - November 16, 2025