Submit a PhotoJon Longo, 64 passed away peacefully on January 25, 2020 at his home in Gilbert Arizona surrounded by his loving family. Jon was born June 23, 1955 in Cleveland Ohio to B. Anthony and Bernah A. Longo. At age 2, Jon moved with his family to Michigan where he grew up and attended school. Jon was always focused on hard work. He started his first job at age 10, delivering newspapers in the bitter cold of winter for the Detroit Free Press. There was never a day that customers did not have their newspapers delivered by 6 am. Jon competed in Judo at a young age and regardless of his small size, he won many Judo matches with kids twice his size and attained Purple Belt. Jon loved dirt bikes and motorcycles. In his youth he raced Motocross and as an adult, he loved riding his Harley.
Jon loved teaching school and was committed to the success of the students. He received his formal automotive technology training at the West Valley Occupation Center in California. He taught automotive technology at the Wyoming Technical Institute, Tooele High School, Utah College of Applied Technology and retired from Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City.
Jon retired to move to Arizona where he and his wife developed and opened Hospice at Home of Arizona. Jon was dedicated to the importance of providing exceptional end of life care to patients and families. Jon had a reputation with employees for his unending patience and eagerness to teach. He had an unassuming willingness to always help even outside the office from fixing an employee’s car to helping them move. His friendly smile will be dearly missed in the office.
Jon played bass guitar and inspired his granddaughters to learn to play guitar. He loved music. He loved teaching music, talking about his favorite bands, blasting Pink Floyd, and attending concerts of music legends such as the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney and Willie Nelson. He also loved hiking, biking, skiing, and hanging out at the beach. Jon loved to travel with his family. Particularly, vacations with grandchildren were a treasured family tradition.
Jon is survived by his wife, Bonna Longo; children Amanda Anderson, Kenna (Edi) Ibarra, Chase (Kara) Tutorow; brothers Anthony and William Longo, and sister Valerie Werner-Longo. His legacy will continue through his 12 grandchildren whom he loved deeply.
A special thank you is given for the care provided to Jon by Jerry Owensby, M.D., Roopesh Kantala, M.D., and the employees of Hospice at Home of Arizona.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 East Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297.
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I was very saddened to hear of Jon’s passing. He is a very, very good man and his obituary describes him exactly as I remember him. I have great and fond memories of his goodness and character. He will be missed. I express my condolences to his children, siblings, and especially to his devoted wife and loving companion, Bonna Longo. May Jon rest in peace in the arms of Our Eternal Father in Heaven.
Jon was a good friend and he will be missed. Our condolences to you and your family. Norm
Jon was my first teacher when I started at Salt Lake Community College. I truly feel he was instrumental to putting my education and career onto a successful track. He pushed me and helped me to see my potential. He will be missed. My condolences to you and you family.
I met Jon when he stored at our store. There was never a time he didn’t have a smile on his face. He was very nice always. I am sadden by this news. RIP Mr. Longo, he was always impressed I knew his name. That is how he impacted me.