Alfio “Fred” Longo 84 passed away Saturday, July 31, 2021, due to complications with Covid 19. He was born in Omaha, NE on July 15, 1937, to Joseph and Louise Longo. Fred remained in Omaha until he graduated from high school and enlisted in the Navy where he served on the USS Hornet aircraft carrier. After fulfilling his military obligation, he returned to Omaha and went to work for AT&T. He met his wife Barbara while he was ushering mass at St Francis Cabrini Church and married in September of 1963. In 1968, Fred received a company transfer to Phoenix, AZ. He and Barbara were happy to pack up first child Jennifer and son Nick to leave the cold winters and tornado warnings of Nebraska in the rear-view mirror. Later that year, John, their 3rd child was born.
When Fred moved to Arizona, he remained a passionate Cornhusker football fan and was always in high hopes of perennial national titles. He loved his time in the Navy, BBQing, baking, and mastering the art of limoncello. When it came time for home fix up projects, no task was too big, and Fred mastered them all. Ultimately, he became the most adored handyman of the central corridor. His all-time favorite activity was anything centered around family. He cherished everything from preparing holiday feasts to watching his children and grandchildren’s concerts and sporting events. He truly was happiest when we were all together.
Fred is survived by his wife Barbara, his sister Rosemary Chamberlain, his daughter Jennifer (Keith), sons Nick (Alexandra), and John (Cari). Fred is also survived by eight grandchildren, Kyle, Amanda (Cameron), Chase, Jack, Nick, Cate, Anthony and Everette.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at 10:00am, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, with a reception to follow at Anderson Hall. For those not able to attend the service in person you may join the live stream viewing at: https://sfxphx.org/livestream
Kathy Dennis
My deepest sympathies to Fred’s family. I am also from Omaha and moved to Arizona as a result of Western Electric/AT&T. My Dad, Walter Hicks, worked with Fred in Omaha and here. I worked with Fred for many years at the plant. I was the pain in his behind Inspector on midnights in his manufacturing area.
I loved Fred’s dry humor and his ability to work with so many different types of people.
Rose Chamberlain
Prayers for your family
Jim Vecchio
Dear Fred Longo family, we are sending our heartfelt condolences to each your families at the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and friend. Uncle Fred was one of the good ones!”
Whenever we had a chance to catch up through text messages, which was usually initiated on his part when he just wanted say hi or that he was thinking of our family he always made it a point to speak highly of Aunt Barb and to mention how busy she was and how incredibly proud he was of all his children and grandchildren.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Jim and Loretta Vecchio and family.
Lynn Weigle
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Fred, may you rest in peace. It was a pleasure working with you at the plant, I always thought of you as one of my favorite supervisors in the plant. I started at the plant in 1970 until its closure. God bless.
Michael & Phyllis Hawkins
Fred was a great friend and wonderful neighbor. We will miss his sense of humor, his life-of-the-party attitude , his crazy hats and his Christmas cookies. Always positive, he took great pride in his grandchildren and was never happier when they would splashing away in the backyard pool. Life in North Central Phoenix will not be the same without him.
Carol colwell
Fred was such a hoot. His dear wife Barb was my boss for many years . I just loved the whole family. Fred was really special , he was always a kidder and so personable , just a great
Man.! God bless you Fred!
Cherise S LaBarbera
My heartfelt condolences go to the whole Longo family in their time of loss and sadness. I worked with Fred at AT&T for a long time and remember him as a fun fellow co-worker. I worked in Payroll and Fred was one of the few supervisors who didn’t continuously mess up the time cards of his people. But, that isn’t the only reason I remember him fondly. Some years later when I worked part-time at Moon Valley CC, I ran into him on one of his golf outings. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him! Cheri Stallings LaBarbera
Donald Paul Megenhardt
I met Uncle Fred when I married his niece Janelle. Barb was Janelle’s aunt. Janelle’s mother was Margaret Barb‘s sister. She had passed before I met Janelle. Uncle Fred welcome me to the family. I loved him the minute I met him. He was funny an could that a Joke and dish it out to. My wife told me along time ago that he was the greatest kindest person she’s ever met. She basically told me he’s my favorite person in the whole world. I married into a wonderful family.
Beverly (Itule) Kamps
Barb, I want to offer my most sincere condolences. The bulletin at St. Frances mentioned Fred’s passing and I wanted to reach out to you. Many years ago we worked weekends at Good Samaritan in Medical Records. I did the Birth Recording and I really enjoyed when you would talk about your family. My prayers for Fred, you and your family.
Buzz bartylla
A wonderful family with Fred as the leader. always fun being with Barb and Fred.
Our prayers and thought are with the Longo family.
God Bless
Amy, Buzz Bartylla and Family
Dr. Sandra (Schindler) Brightwell
Thinking of you Barb and family. Fred was such a delight. That voice 🙂 Your love story is one for the books.
There are good ships,
and there are wood ships,
The ships that sail the sea.
But the best ships
Are friendships,
And may they always be.
Peace Be With You
Donna Burk
Barb, I am sorry to learn of Fred’s passing. My heart goes out to you and hope you and your family are doing fine. ❤️