Tommy Longo

TOMMY (NUCCIO) LONGO
JANUARY 30, 2011
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Tommy Longo, on Sunday January 30th, 2011. Following a brief and courageous battle with leukemia, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at Toronto General Hospital. He was 76 years of age.

Survived by his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Zina (nee Battaglia) and his four loving children Anthony (Gay), Joey (Donna), Rosie (Bryan Yeatman) and Marie (Danny Iuglio). Tommy was proud Nonno to Thomas,
Jesse, Nicholas, Lucas, Mitchell, Dayna, Sabrina, Jacilyn, Justin, Nicolas, Daniel, Riana and Joey. Cherished brother and brother-in-law of Zina Indovina (the late Joseph), the late Joe Sr. (Teresa), Mary Battaglia (Joseph), Sal (Jill), and Gus (Mary Anne); Antonina Fusco (the late Pietro), the late Sam Battaglia (Titi), Ignazia Caruso (Tony), Maria Speciale (Angelo), Tony Battaglia (Lucy,) and John Battaglia (Julie). “Uncle Tommy” will be missed by his numerous beloved nieces and nephews, treasured cousins and friends and his extended family of over 4,000 team members.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Antonietta and Ignazio Gatto for all of their love, friendship and support.Tommy was born on September 25, 1934 in Termini Imerese, Sicily, Italy to Antonino and Rosa Longo. He helped his father on the farm when he was only nine years old, teaching him the values of hard work and “doing things the right way”. When he immigrated to Canada in 1950, his experience working in the fields gave him the knowledge he needed to start his life long career in the fruit and vegetable business. It was through his ambitious drive, passion, loyalty and a few hard life lessons that Tommy founded Longo’s along with his brothers Joe and Gus in 1956. Tommy was a visionary who was generous in sharing his values for love of family and hard work with his children and everyone he met. It was those virtues and the founding intentions of Longo’s based on honesty, trustworthiness and mutual respect that earned him the unwavering respect of his peers and colleagues and guided him to success in life. His community-minded spirit displayed a selfless and genuine desire to help others and make the world a better place. Tommy was heavily influenced by his father and mentor who taught him to treat people the way you want to be treated. By treating everyone he met with respect and instilling a love of family, friends and strong faith, Tommy lived an honourable and happy life. His passion for golf was preceded only by his passion for his family and his work. He inspired those
around him by remaining true to his word, often sealing a deal with a simple handshake. He leaves a legacy of love, family and good friends. He will be greatly missed and we pray that we continue to be touched by his
loving spirit and inspired by his dedication and passion for life.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Minden, Dr. Ken and the rest of the team at Princess Margaret Hospital as well as Dr. MacMillan, Dr. Hawryluck, nurses Stephanie and Cara and rest of the team in MSICU at Toronto General Hospital for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be held at Ward Funeral Home, Woodbridge Chapel, 4671 Highway #7 (between Pine Valley and Islington), Monday January 31st 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-9:00 p.m. and Tuesday February 1st 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-9:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Clare of Assisi Parish, 150 Saint Francis Avenue, Woodbridge at 10:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 8361 Yonge Street (at Hwy 407), Thornhill. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tommy’s name may be made to The Princess Margaret Hospital, Leukemia Research.