Deiro, Guido Roberto, 1938-

Count Guido Roberto Deiro was born February 18, 1938 in Reno, Nevada. He was the son of vaudeville performer and recording star Count Guido Pietro Deiro, who was the first major piano-accordionist to become popular in the United States, and his teenage wife Yvonne Teresa LeBaron De Forrest. Deiro grew up in and around Las Vegas, Nevada and Southern California after his parents’ divorce in 1941.

After attending 13 grammar schools and five high schools, Deiro graduated from Las Vegas High School in 1955. Following a brief stint in the U.S. Army, he transitioned from working as a fitness instructor to being a lifeguard at the El Rancho Vegas Hotel, all while becoming interested in aviation. Deiro entered the gaming industry at the age of 19, when he began working as a card dealer.

Deiro acquired a commercial pilot license in the early 1960s, and began working as a flight instructor and charter pilot at what is now known as North Las Vegas Air Terminal. After Howard Hughes purchased the airfield in 1967, Deiro stayed, ultimately becoming Director of Aviation Facilities for the Hughes Tool Company.

Following his marriage to Joan Marlene Calhoun, Deiro moved to California where he became Vice President and Director of Administration for Air California and Golden West Airlines, before serving with other companies owned by C. Arnholdt Smith. In 1971, Deiro returned to Las Vegas. He was influential in developments within the city, including the construction of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and, with his wife, several philanthropic endeavors.