Frank Longo was born in Brooklyn, NY and his family moved shortly afterward to Jersey City where his parents Emma and Paul ran a store.
Frank was an ambitious and hard worker. He worked all kinds of jobs as a young man ranging from laundry service at a hospital to restaurant work in NY. As a young College student, he had a summer job with Ford Motor Company. At that point in his life, Frank suffered the loss of his father Paul. Frank dropped out of school to take a full time job with Ford so that he could support his mother.
His family could ALWAYS count on him to selflessly provide when needed. He found his lifelong career in the paint department as an autoworker where he became a manager. Over his career he was recognized for coming up with numerous ideas for improving processes and saving money for Ford Motor Company. At a young age he met the love of his life Barbara DeMaria. The two fell in love and married August 1, 1959. They honeymooned in Florida and from that point on, they had a dream of someday moving to Florida. The two worked as a team and saved money so that they were able to buy a first home in Paramus, NJ. Barbara was able to leave her work and become a homemaker. Life was good and they enjoyed many days with friends and family in their backyard swimming and cooking out.
Frank and Barbara had a son in 1967, Frank Paul Longo. Sadly, Barbara developed a rare illness called scleroderma. Frank saw the need to step up and take action to care for his family again and fortunately he was able to retire from Ford. Barbara needed a warm climate for her health, so they decided to become Floridians and move to Palm Coast. They enjoyed a vibrant social life with many friends and Frank even became the president of the local Italian American Club. Their days were filled with beach and fun until Barbara predeceased Frank in September 1993.
Frank continued to live in Central Florida to be around his family he so adored, Frank Paul (son), Kriss Longo (daughter in law) and Frankie (grandson). He loved to talk about his family, especially his grandson who he recently saw graduate from the University of Central Florida and then go on to become a graduate student. He was so proud. In 2004, he made the trip of a lifetime to Italy with his son Frank for a 70th birthday celebration. Frank (Pop) loved to fish, boat, scuba dive and enjoy all that life had to offer. He and his son had boats together and fished extensively out of Ponce Inlet and even took their boat for a trip to the Bahamas.
He shared many fond days on the water with family. As he moved on in years, he remained active and self-sufficient all the way up to his passing. He relished his dog Rocky and regularly took him for walks in the park. He enjoyed cooking and loved to entertain. He was a wonderful family man and will be missed so very deeply.
A visitation will be held on January 13, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the DeGusipe Funeral Home, which is located at 9001 S. U.S. Hwy 17/92 in Maitland.