Daniel Michael Longo

Daniel Michael Longo of Gilbert, Arizona passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 5, 2022. Danny was born on the 4th of July 1939 to Mike and Lil (nee Nuzzo) Longo and grew up with his brother Peter in Chicago, Illinois (the three of them preceding Danny in death). He graduated from Foreman High School in 1957.
After high school Danny began his Jazz career playing piano and singing in a trio on Rush Street under the stage name Danny Long. In 1962 he was drafted into the US Army where he spent 2 years as the band leader at Ft. Riley Kansas. After his honorable discharge he moved to Los Angeles where he recorded his first album on Capitol Records, produced by Bobby Darin.
Now fully into what would become a 60+ year music career--playing at some of the most famous Jazz clubs across the country--Danny found himself in Phoenix in 1968 where he met the love of his life, Danielle Semon. They married that same year and raised five children together. Danny's great love for music couldn't compare to his love for Danielle and his family. They lived a life of generous faith, welcoming all who entered their home. Danny was a lifelong Catholic and served as a music minister, sharing in some of the most important moments of people's lives like weddings and funerals. For years he played piano at 7am Sunday Mass following a Saturday night gig.
Danielle preceded Danny in death in 2018. He is survived by his five children Joe Ducote, Jay Ducote (Barb), Dede Hendrickson (Roger), Michelle Anglim (Pat) and Trishelle Longo Dwyer (Rick); ten grandchildren Lauren, Donald, Ashley, Joseph (Sierra), Michelle (Jake), Sienna (Justin), Marcella, Brennan, Stephen, Michael and Patrick (Karlene); and five great grandchildren.
Meldrum Mortuary is coordinating final arrangements. Messages and memories can be left on their website at http://www.meldrummortuary.com. A Mass to celebrate Danny's life will be held at St. Timothy Catholic Church, (1730 W Guadalupe Rd, Mesa, AZ) on Tuesday October 11 at 10am. Aside from music, faith, and family, Danny's passion was Chicago sports. You are encouraged to join the family in wearing Bears or Cubs colors to celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Lighthouse for Hope (www.lighthouseforhope.org).
The family thanks Hospice of the Valley for their loving care of Danny during these final days. To all our other family and friends, we thank you for your never-ending love and support during this difficult loss, but we know the piano lounge in heaven has gained a legend and Danielle will be right there waiting dressed to the nines.