Joseph Alfred Longo, Jr.

Dr. Joseph (Joe) Alfred Longo, Jr., 90, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on July 3, 2025.

Joe was born on October 19, 1934, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Mary (Oddo) and Joseph A Longo, Sr., M.D.

Joe graduated from Creighton Preparatory High School in 1951. He continued his education at Creighton University and University of Nebraska Lincoln. Following his passion for helping others, Joe attended University of Nebraska School of Medicine graduating in 1960, followed by residency training in general surgery at Kansas City General Hospital. Joe was a lecturer at Creighton University School of Dentistry and a clinical instructor at Creighton University School of Medicine before moving to Arizona in 1974 to establish his general surgery private practice. Never one to stop learning, in 1988, Joe completed his residency training in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City and returned to Phoenix to establish this private practice.

Joe met the love of his life and wife of 70 years, Jacqueline Jean (Jackie) Nigro, in college and married in 1955. They had nine children. He dedicated his life to his family, God and country.

Truly a Renaissance man, Joe had many talents including giving back to the community with his medical work on the Indian reservations and the Dominican Republic.

Ever so proud of his Sicilian heritage, Joe and Jackie traveled extensively to Italy and all of Europe.

Everyone who knew Joe knew he was very passionate about everything, including Nebraska Cornhusker football. He was a master chef and story teller. Whether grilling by the pool, entertaining friends, or at family meals and celebrations, Joe was in his element.

His outgoing, warm personality also contributed to him being known as “Super” Usher and greeter at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (Scottsdale, AZ) for many years. Talent knows no bounds and Joe’s skill as an oil painting artist for portraits and landscapes have brought joy to many who own one. Besides art, another of Joe’s passions since childhood was his love of horses. He was an excellent horseman, raised and showed Arabian horses, taught all of his kids how to ride and was a member of Los Charros del Desierto since 1978, with 29 rides.

Joe lived an amazing, full and blessed life and was loved and cherished by his family and friends. Surely he is riding off into the sunset on his horse to meet his Lord and Savior.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie of Phoenix; nine children, Joseph A. (Maureen) Longo, III, M.D., Jacqueline Jean (Brian) McCartin, Anne Longo, Michael (Mary Kay) Longo, Barbara (Phil) Huffman, Julie Longo, Karen Longo (Antonio Fernandez), Anthony Longo, Susan (Christian) Ward; 19 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; his sister, Marilyn Longo, his brother, Charles Longo, M.D.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Fred Longo.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 7655 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. The Visitation and Rosary will begin at 8:30 a.m. followed by Mass at 10:00. Burial will be at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to First Way Pregnancy Center, Phoenix, AZ. View live stream at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5OwEgu2mCTSMAQL_9aSI_A