Edward Anthony Longo, MD, 91, of Pottstown, PA (formerly Westbrook, CT) passed away peacefully at home on December 17, 2024. Ed was born on February 8, 1933, in New Haven, CT and was raised in West Haven.
Those we love are never really lost to us – for that special love lives on.
Ed graduated from West Haven High School (1950) and the University of Connecticut (1956). Inspired by early interactions at Yale Medical Center, Ed developed an interest in medicine and went on to earn his medical doctorate from Yale University Medical School (1960). He started his medical career in private practice where he was an accomplished, compassionate physician with excellent bedside manners and was greatly admired and respected by his patients and peers. Upon leaving private practice, he went to work as the Chief of Cardiology and Director of the Coronary Care unit at Middlesex Hospital. Under his supervision, the Coronary Care Unit went from having a few EKG machines to a state-of-the-art Coronary Care Unit. Ed was instrumental in the development of cardiac medical technology and was published in many medical journals. Ed retired in 1990.
In his personal life, Ed had many interests. A lifelong passion for words and language was transferred to his children and grandchildren by frequent and appreciated correction. At an early age, he was introduced to electronics which led him to become an amateur radio operator and to develop a reverse pacemaker.
In the late 60s, he was introduced to boating by a neighbor which led to his lifelong interest in sailing. During his working years, vacations were spent cruising the eastern seaboard, eventually living aboard. Upon retirement, Linda and he spent years cruising on the sailboat, traveling from Nova Scotia to Venezuela. When their age caught up with them, Linda and he spent several years traveling throughout the US by RV.
Always curious, Ed taught himself to play the ukulele at an early age. He played guitar in his band to work his way through college and taught himself to play the Jazz standard songs on the keyboard. While cruising in Trinidad and Tobago, he learned to play the steel drum, became a member of a local band and travelled with them to perform at Lincoln Center. While playing in the steel band, Ed was the star in the documentary “Rhythm in Steel” which told the history of the steel bands. This love of music inspired a second career after his sailing days ended, where he played the keyboard and sang at local Connecticut shoreline restaurants.
Ed is quoted as saying he “suffered from an overabundance of curiosity” with lifelong interests in chess, NY Times crossword puzzles, photography, and prolific reading. His kindness and loving nature were truly unparalleled.
He leaves behind his wife, Linda and children Amy Henley, Michael Longo, Tom French, Sheryl French, Jon French and numerous grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister, Virginia Valenzola, his sister-in-law Pat DeGross, several cousins and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Edward Alfred DeGross.
Ed will be cremated, and a celebration of life is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions to American Heart Association would be appreciated.