Obituary: John Longo, 76, Of Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — (From Peter H. Torello & Son Funeral Home): John Longo, 76, of Hamden, affectionately known to many as "Papa John," died Feb. 12th at home after a long illness. He was the loving husband of 53 years to Wendy Frosolone Longo.

Born in New Haven, son of the late John & Josephine Esposito Longo, he worked for many years as a printer. He proudly served in the Army reserves.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons John A., David, & Stephen Longo, a granddaughter Ashley (Ben) Brandl, great grandsons; Zane & Gage, a sister Angela Macolino, brothers-in-law; Richard (Joan), Veto (Kim), and a sister-in-law Marie Frosolone, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of lifelong best friends. He was predeceased by a daughter Cheryl Ann, and brothers-in-law, Robert & Chistopher Frosolone and Joseph Macolino.

John was an avid New York Giants & Rangers fan. In the Spring and Summer months you would find Papa John sitting on his front porch, with a cup of coffee in his hand. He was well known to his neighbors and to people who drove by because of his willingness to chat or wave to everyone.

John was very involved with Hamden Youth Hockey for many years, and he was very proud of his sons who played. His heart was pure, and he was never shy to show his emotions. He never had a loss for words and tears alike.

John loved to be in the comfort of his own home, but he always found time to go to the Esquire Barber Shop to chat with everyone there. He enjoyed going fishing, taking weekend road trips, and visiting over coffee with his friends. He was always ready for a competitive game of rummy or poker. His dining room table was never too small, everyone and anyone was invited, and he always made a point to include people he knew who didn’t have families to spend the holidays with. He was not shy to offer up his wife Wendy’s wonderful cooking skills.

John was extremely proud of his family, especially his sons. His oldest son John for his craftsmanship and expanding the family and becoming a loving father and grandfather to his daughter Ashley and his Grandsons Zane and Gage, his middle son David for being a star youth hockey player, which expanded John’s social life within the town of Hamden, and his youngest son Stephen for following in his footsteps and joining the military. He loved spending time with his great-grandchildren.

Papa John had a laugh that came from the soul. He was one of a kind and genuinely cared about every single person who was in his life. If he met you once, he would never forget you, remembering your name and every detail you told him about your life. He will be sadly missed.

Rest in peace Papa John, and don’t worry, we will make sure we always have our keys and that our doors are always locked.

Friends may call TUESDAY morning from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m., a memorial service will be held in the funeral home at 10:30. Burial will be at a later date.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Peter H. Torello & Son Funeral Home here.