Mr. John D. Longo, Sr.

UTICA – Mr. John D. Longo, Sr., age 97, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Born in Elizabeth, NJ on June 28, 1927, John was the son of the late Anthony and Catherine (Guerrera) Longo. As a young man, John and his family relocated to Utica where he graduated from T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1945. A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, John honorably served his country from 1945-1947 stationed in Korea. On February 21, 1950, John was united in marriage with the former Mary A. Castelli. The couple shared nearly 50 years together prior to Mary’s passing on September 11, 1999. He later shared in a companionship for 22 years with Florence M. Caroli prior to her passing on August 15, 2022. John once held employment with Special Metals as a General Foreman in charge of production. One of the greatest accomplishments in his life was the role he held as the patriarch of his family. He was an extraordinary father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. John was a terrific listener as well as an exceptional conversationalist. He possessed an engaging spirit and always greeted everyone who crossed his path with a warm smile and a caring heart. John was proud to be the oldest living member of the Fort Schuyler American Legion Post 1290. He had a very competitive nature and was a lover of all games; he was especially passionate about the game of golf. John was very talented in the trade of building. He was proud of the many construction additions to the family homes he made with his dynamic leadership skills. He always strived for perfection in everything he did and did his best to lead by example. John also enjoyed engaging and working out at the Parkway Senior Center. John was a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Donna Lee and Joseph Rivett, John D., Jr. and Nancy Longo, Michael and Elaine Longo, Ronald and Tamy Longo, Catherine A. Farr and Gary Minor, and Salvatore “Salvie” and Kathie Longo; and daughter-in-law, Sharon Longo. He cherished in his heart the memory of his sons who preceded him, Anthony “Butch” Longo (1973), Daniel Longo (1976), and Rocco J. “Rocky” Longo (2006). He will live on in the hearts of his grandchildren, Joseph Rivett, Daniel and Lynne Rivett; Anthony and Val Longo, Danielle and Joseph Polidori, Robin and John Bord, Jessica Longo and Patrick Krayniak, Michael Longo and Jennifer Baretto, Marcie Longo and Samer Lachowski; Stephanie Longo, Kristie Longo, Ronnie Longo, Jr. and Leah Scalise, Stephen Malachowski; Anthony Pullman, Audra Pullman, Kyle Pullman and Missy De Biase; Kimberly Longo and Tom Carpenter, Candace and Nick Fumarola, and Salvatore Longo and Ashley Benhoff; 11 great-grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Donald Cowley; and brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Sally Longo. John was predeceased by his brother and best friend, Robert Lee “Bob” Longo, Sr. and his wife Constance “Connie” Longo. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. John loved dearly and cherished many fond memories of his dogs, Blackie, and Laddie. The Longo family extends their gratitude to John’s personal caregivers, who he lovingly referred to as his “Seven Ladies,” for the loving comfort they provided to him. Thanks as well to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Wynn Hospital, especially acknowledging those of 6 West, for their care and compassion. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 29, 2024, from 10:15-11:15 a.m. at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. John’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will commence at 11:30 a.m. at the church with Military Honors conferred. Interment will take place in Frankfort Center Cemetery.

Mr. John D. Longo, Sr.

June 28, 1927 - July 24, 2024