Gerard Thomas Longo, 57, of Sandy Hook, succumbed to his illness on Friday, April 21, 2023.

He was born on September 10, 1965, to Rosemarie (nee Damiano) and Paul Longo. Gerry grew up in North White Plains, N.Y., and attended Virginia Road Elementary School and Valhalla Middle/High School, playing trumpet in the band and majoring in mischief-making. After graduating from Westchester Community College, he proudly served as a United States Marine Lance Corporal and then transitioned into the audio/video industry, eventually starting his own business, Audio Visions. From there, he joined the Field Services team at Metro Media Fiber Network, which later became Zayo Group, where he made many lifelong friends.

Gerry married Sharon Renee Goldsmith of New Rochelle, N.Y., in July 2003 and shortly after moved to White Plains, N.Y., with their dog Rocky and cat Jemma. When Sharon became pregnant with their daughter, Emily Rose Longo, the two moved to Danbury, and eventually settled in Sandy Hook.

Gerry was a devoted husband and father who loved being surrounded by family and friends. He enjoyed snowboarding in winter, riding ATVs in warmer months (he bought Emily her first quad when she was only three years old!), renovating his home, and meticulously maintaining his pool. In his precious spare time, he loved to DJ at the local bar Antoinette’s.

Gerry is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon, and adored daughter, Emily, and his kitties Gino and Ginger; sister Susan Marzella and husband Nick of Thornwood, N.Y.; brother Richard Longo and wife Kim of White Plains, N.Y.; sister Diana Altro and husband Scott of Bedford Hills, N.Y.; mother-in-law Lynne Goldsmith of Boynton Beach, Fla.; brother-in-law Michael Goldsmith and wife Maria of Newtown; and his nieces and nephews: Nicholas and Frankie Marzella, Matthew and Andrea Longo, Danielle and Scotty Altro, and Ryan and Andrew Goldsmith. He is also survived by his aunt Ann Jerie Damiano of Purchase, N.Y., and cousin Barbara Ann Cirocco; aunt Florence Cotroneo of Rome, N.Y., and cousins Judy, Gina, Michelle and Kathy, and a shiny silver 1969 Chevrolet S10 with a red interior.

Gerry was predeceased by his parents, Rosemarie and Paul Longo, and his father-in-law, Marvin Goldsmith.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Thursday, April 27, from 5 to 8 pm at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions in memory of Gerry Longo to the 15 For Life Foundation (15forlife.org) which inspires open dialogue about depression and mental health.

The Newtown Bee April 28, 2023