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Andrew Philip Longton

Andrew Longton Obituary

Andrew Philip Longton passed away March 21, 2009 surrounded by loved ones and his sweet beast Mercedes. He was born July 24, 1934 in Watertown, NY to Mary Priscilla and Ernest William Longton. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1957, then flew for the Navy and was distinguished for being their most handsome pilot. Later he worked as a math and science teacher, and wrestling and football coach at Sahuarita High School. True calling, linguist... Andrew loved collecting things. Knives, round rocks, whale baleen, giraffe bones, oosiks, drift wood, interesting rocks and minerals, fossils, glass eyes, false teeth, animal skulls, Maglemosian flint rocks, coprolites, and other whatnot. He was fascinated by all of life and delighted in monologuing about politics, flightless birds, ancient cultures, rock music, you name it. He had an amazing memory and could recall with detail his childhood in upstate New York on the Saint Lawrence River with his brothers, Joe, Noel and Mike. He loved packed vanilla ice cream, angel food cake, rhubarb pie and anything made by Martin's Comida Chingona. He loved telling funny stories, chatting with his classmates, doing yard work, playing on his I-Mac, drinking beer, buying high and selling low on Ebay or the Tanque Verde Swap Meet. He appreciated the feel of a comfy gray sweatshirt. Above all he loved and adored his children and grandchildren. He earned his nick name of "Pop-in Pop". He had a constant supply of small grandchildren over the past 20 years and he will be dearly missed by them all. He cared for them all, swam with them, remembered many stories about each one. Up to his last days and weeks his greatest joy came from his grandchildren. They were noisy and rowdy and he loved it. We will miss his hilarious observations at our Sunday dinners and all our lives we will be missing him. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert; his parents, EW and MP; sister, Mary; brother, Billy. He is survived by former wife, Toni Harlan; son, William (Sarah Streett) Longton of Orinda, CA; daughter, Shannon (Timothy) Longton Fennie and daughter, Anne (Michael) Longton Spacone both of Tucson, AZ and grandchildren, William, Catie, Anna Maria, Bitty, Lily, Fiona, Marcus, Michael and Dominic. William, Shannon and Anne are eternally grateful to Toni Harlan for her devoted care for Andrew during his last month, and they wish to thank their uncles and aunts for their loving kindness and support. Father Bartholomew Hutcherson will celebrate Mass in honor of Andrew's life at the Saint Thomas More Catholic Newman Center, 1652 E. 2nd Street, Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training. http://pages.teamintraining.org/cny/rnr09/jlongton

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Mar. 31, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Longton

16 Entries

Benjamin Moulton

October 3, 2025

Mr Longton was a math and science teacher at Orme School at Mayer AZ in the late 1960´s . I searched the web recently because I remembered him as a generous and kind hearted teacher. I have fond memories of hiking down into the Grand Canyon. Mr. Longton was one of the faculty members assigned to the trip. We hiked down on the Kaibab trail and out on the Bright angel trail with an overnight at the Phantom ranch. Mr Longton was in his element because as we hiked down we went further back in geological time which he pointed out as we went further down. His excitement and knowledge was contagious. He was a great teacher.
My condolences to his family!

Del Mack

March 26, 2021

The house we occupied next door to Andy (our neighbor for more that 20 years) was also our workplace. Planning to retire now, I have been thinking a lot about Andy as I notice the very large mesquite tree that stands between the properties we shared. I remember many years past when Andy showed me a little twig of a tree that he had brought home from the swapmeet. It could not have been over 2' tall, with just a sprig of leaves at the top. Andy asked if he could plant the little seedling on our propety -- in a little plot of ground by the sidewalk and next to the driveway that separated our homes. In the past 25 years or so, that little tree has grown to at least 25' feet tall. I am 6'2" and 190 lbs, and I can just reach my arms around the trunk of that tree and give it a little hug. The tree is beautiful. It is stands very straight overall, but has a graceful bend in the main trunk. And if the bend were straightened out, the tree would probably be at least 3' taller. This beautiful tree is a lasting reminder that brings warm memories of our gentle neighbor. I also find the tree an enduring tribute to Andy.

Del & Becky Mack

April 9, 2009

Andy was a kind and gentle neighbor, full of humor and goodwill. His passing leaves a void reflecting a relationship of over twenty years. The house next door lies empty and cold, but our memories are rich and warm. The last days and weeks of Andy's mortal sojourn brought us a wonderful view into the closeness and care of his loving family and many close friends. In this respect, Andy was a rich man whose riches are of the kind that you can surely take with you. Andy, you are missed by many.

Roger Gerdenics

April 7, 2009

I truly enjoyed Andy's company as a fellow teacher at Sahuarita High School. He could always brighten your day with his sense of humor. He will be remembered in my thoughts and prayers.

Carol Thomson Meyer

April 6, 2009

I knew Andy from the Academy.He was on my Father's track team. We had many great times with other 57'ers. I know how much he loved his family and friend's. He truly will be missed.

Dave Bell

April 4, 2009

I met Andy when I visted with Mike on a wonderful, and extended, stay in 1975 or '76. I'm very sorry to hear of him passing.

Janet K. Miller

April 1, 2009

What a wonderful, funny, beautiful life story of your dear dad. My thoughts are with you all.

Liz and Steve

April 1, 2009

Andy's legacy clearly continues through his three one-of-a-kind children! We love you all.

bonnie angelie

April 1, 2009

i have always loved to be with the longton/harlan family. your humor, compassion, generosity, intelligence and wit are very special qualities. although i didn't know andy well, i can only guess that he contributed greatly to all that you are. having recently been ill and seeing my sons and their fiancees, i know the deep peace and joy that comes from sharing the love of your family and i'm sure that andy felt safely held in the loving arms of his wonderful family all the way.

lindley and jay silverman join me in sending our love and condolences to you.

Teryl Semmons

April 1, 2009

Mr. Longton, my heart was broken when I learned today from Brigitte of your passing. It has been almost 26 years since I walked away from Sahuarita High School and at the time I thought I would never look back. How wrong I was. I don’t have to tell you how poor my math skills were, again and again I told you I didn’t get it - again and again you would go through what most would have thought to be the grueling process of repetition with the same old student; never once did you make me feel stupid or that I was a waist of time. You taught me that maybe I wouldn’t always get it but never to give up. I want to let you know, due to you, your humor always a factor, I endured my “math”; every job I have ever had has either been in accounts payable or receivable. I have owned my own business, been my own accountant and the accountant for my church. Not only have I taught my own boys financial planning but have taught high school groups as well…I am now living my dream as a financial planner. Mr. Longton I want you to know you touched the life of a teenager who thought she would never amount to anything. You helped mold a future and helped weave her life’s dreams. Thank you Mr. Longton. God bless you and rest your soul

Julie Lux

March 31, 2009

To all of the family,
I was happy to have known Andy for a few years and got to know him better through lunches and outings. He took me to my first Gem show! He was a good neighbor and friend and he made a big difference in my life. After meeting some of his family, I know why he was so proud of you all.

Ann O'Connor

March 31, 2009

shannon and family..your tribute to your father has brought fresh tears to my eyes. God bless you all...What a great dad/grandpa/friend.

Brigitte Echave

March 31, 2009

Mr. Longton was a great teacher. I attended SHS 80-83 and he was an inspiration. In the last few months, Teryl Semmons and I have shared fond memories of the time we spent with Mr. Longton and the impact he had in our lives. He was always gentle, kind and caring and he made learning fun. We will all miss him greatly. He had the "gift" and I am glad to have had the opportunity be influenced by him.

Teri Harlan Martindale

March 31, 2009

Dear Ones,
What loving care you provided for your father and my brother-in-law Andy. I will always treasure the jewelry he made for my father and for me. Love, Aunt Teri

Amy Olson

March 31, 2009

Shannon-
What an amazing tribute to your father! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Tanya Tercero

March 31, 2009

Andy was a sweet, sweet man and the only true Republican I loved in this family. He will be missed!
I would be honored to donate the appraised value (by Andy himself) of my admired chinese buffalo turquoise necklace to the LLS. Love ya! Tanya

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