Obituary of Peter J Longo

Peter J Longo, recognized by the West Orange Community as the oldest surviving World War II veteran passed quietly on August 4, 2023.  He was 100-years old. Peter was born in Orange and was a lifelong resident of West Orange.  He was an Electrical Inspector in the Oranges as well as Verona, Cedar Grove, Montclair, and other towns.  Prior to that he worked as a nickel plater for Thomas Alva Edison Inc. and was a senior electrician for Essex County.  Mr. Longo proudly served in the United States Army during World War II, where he earned the rank of Staff Sargent with the Tank Division.   Peter was a Founder and Charter Member of the Bloomfield Mandolin Orchestra, a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #5519 in West Orange, and the VFW of West Orange.  He was also a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Orange.

Peter was an accomplished song writer and poet.  His musical works were routinely performed by the  Mandolin Orchestra and several of his poems were published by The National Library of Poetry; most notable were ‘Our Golden Years’, ‘Trees’, and ‘Share a Smile’.  He received recognition as a ‘Famous Poet’ in 1995.   Peter was also an avid fisherman and traveled throughout the United States including Alaska & Hawaii, plus Costa Rica, Brazil, and Guatemala in pursuit of world class gamefish.  Peter is famous for his encounter with a 300 lb. Marlin that went viral on YouTube and was featured in the Discovery Channel’s documentary “When Fish Attack II”.  Known as the Balloon Man, Peter learned the art of making  balloon animals much to the delight of countless children at home and abroad.

Peter was predeceased by his beloved wife of 72 years. The late Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Longo (nee Raycheck) and was the devoted father of Patrica Bolles, Diana Longo, and Peter M. Longo. 

There will be memorial visitation on Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by a Funeral Service with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, doantions may be made in Pete's name to : Wounded Warriors Project,PO Box 758517,Topeka, Kansas 66675 and Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.