SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Southington community is mourning the loss of Anthony "Tony" Longo, a World War II Navy veteran, accomplished billiards player and longtime Calendar House member who died July 2 after a brief illness. He was 104.
The Southington Calendar House Senior Center announced Longo's passing Saturday, recalling the many moments it shared celebrating one of its oldest and most recognizable members.
"Over the years, Calendar House has shared many feel-good moments featuring one of our oldest members, Tony Longo," the senior center wrote. "Just this May, we celebrated Tony's 104th birthday at our annual pool tournament. Today, it is with deep sadness that we share the news of his passing."
The center added, "We celebrate Tony's long and well-lived life, doing the things he loved most, from crafting birdhouses to playing pool with friends here at Calendar House. Rest in peace, Tony. You will be dearly missed."
Born May 15, 1922, in Southington, Longo was the son of the late John and Mary (Cassella) Longo.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before beginning a career as a tool and die machinist at Ideal Forge, Tubular Products in New Britain, and VR Wesson Fansteel, where he retired. He also worked as a painter and interior designer.
After retiring in 1986, Longo and his wife, the late Elizabeth Keating Longo, spent 15 years living in Port Charlotte, Fla., before returning to Connecticut to live with their daughter.
Longo was a member of American Legion Post 72, the Sons of Italy, and Calendar House.
Throughout Southington and surrounding communities, he became known as one of the area's most respected billiards players, regularly competing in tournaments at Calendar House, the Sons of Italy, and Friends Café.
Family members said Longo was especially famous for his signature five-ball combination shot and for enthusiastically shouting "Bingo!" after winning a match.
Away from the pool table, Longo became known as "The Birdman" for his handcrafted birdhouses, which featured intricate details such as wallpapered interiors and "picture windows."
His creations found homes across the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe, and he was a familiar presence at holiday bazaars and the Meriden Daffodil Festival, where admirers often asked him to autograph his work.
According to his obituary, Longo also enjoyed family vacations to Cape Cod and Florida, treasured a trip to Italy, and looked forward each week to Tuesday outings to McDonald's with friends Mike DePrey and Rick Tanguay.
His family said Longo's kindness, generosity, humor, and dedication to family defined his long life.
"Tony lived a long, fulfilled life filled with so many memories," his obituary states, noting he witnessed dramatic changes in American life over more than a century, "from horses and buggies to trollies and automobiles. Radio to T.V. and then the internet."
Longo is survived by his daughter, Nancy Longo of Southington; his son, William Longo of Bristol and his fiancée, Karen; his grandson, Anthony Longo of Milford; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth; sisters Rose DiCaprio and Bertha DiCaprio; and brother John Longo.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington.
A funeral procession will depart the funeral home at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Dominic Church, 1050 Flanders Road, Southington. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Thomas Cemetery.
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