Bill Longale was born on November 18, 1943, in Rochester, New York, and passed away on January 5, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona.
A musician from the age of 12, Bill was an extremely talented guitarist with a beautiful singing voice. Music was a constant thread throughout his life and a gift he freely shared with others. He had a true zest for life, a quick wit, and a sense of humor that left lasting impressions on everyone he met.
Bill proudly served in the United States Army for 20 years. After retiring from military service, he continued his dedication to fellow service members by working with veterans for an additional 13 years. His example of service inspired three of his sons to serve in the military as well.
One of Bill's most meaningful accomplishments came during his service in Korea. A young GI once told him that Bill's music had made his time overseas bearable. That moment deeply touched Bill and remained close to his heart for the rest of his life.
Bill also enjoyed sharing a legendary story from his younger years—having once told Ringo Starr in London in the early 1960s, after playing a set together, "That drum beat will never work." Ringo went on to become quite famous, and that drum beat became a signature sound.
Above all else, Bill was a devoted husband and a loving father. His greatest pride and accomplishment was his children and grandchildren, whom he loved fiercely.
Bill was preceded in death by his father Ralph, his mother Pauline, his stepfather Clarence, his sister Jeannie, his brothers-in-law Bob and Pete, his niece Cheryl, his nephews Steve and Joe, his cousin Peter, who was like a brother to him, and his great-nephew Tommy.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Kelly; his children Mark (Karen), Kelly (Charles), Aaron (Jennifer), Daniel, Victoria (Azhalea), and Paul (Briana); and his cherished grandchildren Rhyder, Jagger, Wyatt, Parker, Emma, Wednesday, Preston, and Jameson.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11am MST at Connections Vineyard Church
3150 East Fort Lowell Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Connections Vineyard Church. Donations to the general fund will be used to help those in need, a cause near and dear to Bill's heart. Please include "In honor of Bill Longale" in the memo section. Donations may be made online at https://www.connectionsvineyard.org
A musician from the age of 12, Bill was an extremely talented guitarist with a beautiful singing voice. Music was a constant thread throughout his life and a gift he freely shared with others. He had a true zest for life, a quick wit, and a sense of humor that left lasting impressions on everyone he met.
Bill proudly served in the United States Army for 20 years. After retiring from military service, he continued his dedication to fellow service members by working with veterans for an additional 13 years. His example of service inspired three of his sons to serve in the military as well.
One of Bill's most meaningful accomplishments came during his service in Korea. A young GI once told him that Bill's music had made his time overseas bearable. That moment deeply touched Bill and remained close to his heart for the rest of his life.
Bill also enjoyed sharing a legendary story from his younger years—having once told Ringo Starr in London in the early 1960s, after playing a set together, "That drum beat will never work." Ringo went on to become quite famous, and that drum beat became a signature sound.
Above all else, Bill was a devoted husband and a loving father. His greatest pride and accomplishment was his children and grandchildren, whom he loved fiercely.
Bill was preceded in death by his father Ralph, his mother Pauline, his stepfather Clarence, his sister Jeannie, his brothers-in-law Bob and Pete, his niece Cheryl, his nephews Steve and Joe, his cousin Peter, who was like a brother to him, and his great-nephew Tommy.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Kelly; his children Mark (Karen), Kelly (Charles), Aaron (Jennifer), Daniel, Victoria (Azhalea), and Paul (Briana); and his cherished grandchildren Rhyder, Jagger, Wyatt, Parker, Emma, Wednesday, Preston, and Jameson.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11am MST at Connections Vineyard Church
3150 East Fort Lowell Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Connections Vineyard Church. Donations to the general fund will be used to help those in need, a cause near and dear to Bill's heart. Please include "In honor of Bill Longale" in the memo section. Donations may be made online at https://www.connectionsvineyard.org
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Ralph Longale, please visit our flower store.
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