Mrs. Constance M. "Connie" (Michaels) Longo

Mrs. Constance M. “Connie” (Michaels) Longo, age 75, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 in the comfort of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on May 21, 1940, Constance was the daughter of the late Edward D. and Charlotte (Bord) Michaels. She attended Utica Free Academy. With her first marriage came the blessing of two wonderful children. On August 5, 1970, Connie entered into a second union when she married Robert L. Longo with whom she shared 45 years in a union of mutual love and respect. Because they stood united in their commitment to caring for one another and the challenges of life, they grew stronger together and succeeded. A dedicated worker to her employers she held positions at the Utica Office Supply Company, the General Electric Company where she served as a Group Leader at the French Road location, and lastly, at Rite Aide Pharmacy in North Utica as a Pharmacy Technician. Throughout her life, Connie was never pretentious, but polite and easy to please. She was wise in her ways and was fun-loving, yet private. Many hearts were lifted by her sincere acts of kindness, her way of letting you know how much you were loved. Behind her blue eyes shined the essence of her being — generosity and real love, especially for her family, from her oldest child to her newest grandchild. She was selfless and would meet their needs before her own. She felt blessed to have children who loved, honored, and adored her to her last day. Connie enjoyed people and the fun of life. She was young-at-heart and she loved music, mainly country, including old and new. She had a close connection to the natural world and the animal world. Her summer home at Brantingham Lake in the Adirondacks was special to her, a peaceful place to read, put puzzles together, and play card games with her in-laws and friends. It was made even better when her son Scott prepared special meals. Though she was known for her baking talents, she also made a savory Sunday sauce. Connie loved her pets, canines and felines, and treated them equally, but her last dog, a bichon breed named Charlee Que, had something very special about him that she could never define, but she knew it was there. Birds, chipmunks, and friendly wildlife flocked to her and felt at home in her company. Connie is survived by her husband Bob (“Babe” to each other); her son, Scott R. Phillips and Linda Wilk of NY Mills; her daughters and son-in-law, Lori Betti of Florida, and Sandy and Derek Mizerak of Ilion; her grandchildren, Anthony Pentasuglia and fiancee Kimberly Howard, Tina Pentasuglia, Sandy Betti; Alexia, and Kira Mizerak; and her great-grandchildren, Sophia, and Aria. Her extended family who she loved as her own includes Robert L. Longo, Jr. and Maria Longo, John A. and Jackie Longo, Tracy D. Longo and Angelo, and their children, Breanna, and Brandon Longo; John Jr., Ryan, and Natalie; Candice, and Steve; her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Jacqueline Michaels; her nieces and nephews who loved her dearly, including Cheryl Michaels Ladd and her husband John; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, godchild Cheryl Rondenelli who felt blessed to have such a wonderful woman in her life; and her in-laws, John D. Longo, Ronald and Sally Longo, and Anne and Donald Cowley. She shared a loving bond with her late mother-in-law, Catherine, and always held close to her heart the memory of her late best friend, Marilyn Dibble. She was predeceased by her infant brother, William “Billy” Michaels. The family extends thanks to Dr. Joseph Booth and his staff who were a great sense of support to Connie and her family. The last week of her journey was made easier by the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care who gave the gift of dignity, and the family is grateful for their comfort, guidance, and spiritual prayers offered by Jill at the time of Connie’s passing. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Connie's name to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. online at http://www.hospicecareinc.org/donate/making-a-gift/, the Stevens-Swan Humane Society online at https://stevens-swan.org/donate/, or H.A.L.O Animal Rescue at http://www.halorescue.net/; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Connie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday evening at 7:00 at the funeral home. Interment will take place on Saturday (her birthday) in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Constance M. "Connie" (Michaels) Longo

May 21, 1940 - May 17, 2016