CAMDEN — Wayne C. DeLano, 56, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Camden on May 9, 2021.

Wayne was born on June 23, 1964 in Pinconning, Michigan, to Clinton A. DeLano and Virginia Gail DeLano. He was raised in Michigan and graduated from AuGres Sims High School in 1982. He then went on to study music at Central Michigan University and University of North Texas.

After graduating, North Texas became his home for the next 20+ years where he established a career as a professional saxophonist and jazz musician. He led his own jazz quartet, known as “The Wayne DeLano Jazz Quartet” that played every Tuesday night at Terilli’s in downtown Dallas for 17 years.

Wayne was a long time member of Joe McBride’s Texas Rhythm Club. He also played in countless other jazz and private party bands including Dallas Unlimited, Emerald City and Moving Colors. Wayne received performance awards for Outstanding Performer at the Detroit Montreux Jazz Festival in 1986, Aquinas College Jazz Festival in 1988, Notre Dame Jazz Festival in 1990, Elmhurst College Jazz Festival (Chicago) in 1991 and the Wichita Jazz Festival in 1992.

He was an international touring and recording artist with Woody Herman, Maynard Fergusen, Chaka Khan, Joe McBride, University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band and over 100 records. He performed with Michael and Randy Brecker, Phil Woods, Freddie Hubbard, Jimmy Cobb, Louis Bellson, Mel Lewis, Art Farmer, Bobby Shew and many other commercial and smooth jazz artists.

In 2008 Wayne moved to Maine where he continued performing, writing and composing music. At this time his primary focus was raising his daughter, Noelle. He spent all of his time with her as they were inseparable. As Wayne was his daughter’s best friend they shared their time together enjoying endless conversations that included laughing to the point of sometimes crying, cooking flavorful meals together, and daily activities outside such as fishing, walking, and playing with their dog, Maddie, who Wayne always preached to, “treat like a person.” He communicated his love for Noelle through his many life’s passions of which they share many memories.

The most prominent being, creating and performing music together. Noelle and her Dad shared many memories of waltzing in the kitchen, singing the blues as her dad accompanied with the piano. Noelle was taught to play the piano as well, being shown every new piece her Dad had become fond of and wanted to play in the future of had in the past, and sitting and singing the song together that Wayne composed for Noelle when she was an infant, “You’re My Little Angel.”

In Noelle’s words: “My Dad would say over and over again, “love is not a noun, it’s a verb. It’s not just something you feel, it’s something you strive to show someone everyday.” He by nature proved this to me and continued teaching me how true this is by doing anything and everything he could to make me happy. I don’t have any words to describe my sadness I have been burdened with because of his passing, but I can say that through all of this pain, my dad taught me how to love, and for that I will forever be thankful. I love you and miss you so much. You are my hero, best friend, Dad, and above all, you are the love of my life. Rest in Peace.”

Wayne shared his love and friendship with not only Noelle, but every single person he came in contact with. He was an extremely intelligent, multi-talented individual who made everyone he met feel like they had been lifelong friends. He was continually sharing his beautiful heart and limitless generosity with open arms for the people around him through his wit, knowledge, empathy, and love. He could make everyone in the room burst out laughing with one-liners and detailed stories, no matter who he was with or where he was. Every day of his life, Wayne loved with his whole heart and treated everyone with kindness and respect. He was humble and selfless, a true gentleman who found the good in everyone.

Wayne was predeceased by his father, Clinton A. DeLano; and his brother-in-law, Larry Packard.

He is survived by his daughter, Noelle M. DeLano of Camden; his mother, Virginia DeLano of Omer, Michigan; sisters, Cheryl Packard of Tawas City, Michigan and Leanne (Bill) LaBelle of Bear Lake, Michigan; brother, Kent DeLano of Omer, Michigan; nephews, Shane (Kammie) Packard of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and Troy Packard of Arcadia, Michigan; and niece, Brandi Packard (Robert Ward) of Claremore, Oklahoma; 5 great nieces and 2 nephews; and Noelle’s mother, Angela Lash, of Thomaston.

A graveside service will be held at the Linwood Cemetery in AuGres, Michigan, on June 23 with a time of fellowship following the service.

A celebration of life will be held at The Country Inn in Camden, Maine, on June 19, 2021, beginning at 2 p.m.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 949 Main Street, Waldoboro.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.hallfuneralhomes.com