Frank Longo Jr.

Frank Longo, Jr. (72), of Bethlehem Township, passed Tuesday, May 6, at Lehigh Valley Muhlenberg Hospital after a short illness. Frank was the husband of Barbara, his high school sweetheart and soulmate. Together they had three children, Daniel, Lorraine and Jessica. Frank was originally from Valley Stream, NY, where he married and started his family. He first worked as a printer where he discovered his favorite part of the job was fixing a press when it needed repair. He was a natural at diagnosing a mechanical problem and enjoyed formulating the repair. He eventually left his print job to pursue his talent as a "fixer of all things" and worked as a service technician for several companies, first on computer systems in the banking industry and then specializing in cash handling machines. At one point Frank started his own company, Uptime Computers, which operated successfully in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for 14 years. All of his positions were rewarding but he always said the most satisfying repair jobs he did were for his children and their friends when a favorite toy had a mishap. Of those, there were many. Frank retired in 2016 after 35 years in the field.
Frank always said his favorite hobby was his house. He loved doing renovations in his own home and helping family members with theirs. Hiring a plumber or painter was just not something he would do. He took pride in his yard and made sure the lawn was always green and trimmed and the flowerbeds were blooming. He was a fan of the "staycation" and the always crystal clear pool in the backyard was the scene of many barbeques, birthday parties and family reunions.
As a young man, Frank became interested in body building, not for competition, but rather for his own satisfaction. In an era that was fraught with the use of steroids to build muscle, Frank preferred to do it the old fashioned way. He worked hard and got his desired results. He also had an interest in bowling, kindled by his father, Frank Sr. The two bowled together in the St. Boniface Church league in Elmont, NY for many years. Frank was hands down the best bowler in every league he participated in and had the trophies to prove it. After moving to Bethlehem, he continued to bowl at Town & Country, now known as Steel City Bowl & Brews. An avid lifelong N Y Yankees fan, Frank will continue to cheer from the great beyond.
Frank's children all married and the family grew to include six grandchildren: Sampson Metzgar, Jack Longo, Cae Storms, Chris Storms, Allison Longo and Sarah Metzgar. He was endlessly entertained by their antics and loved them all unconditionally. Frank is survived by his wife Barbara, son Daniel and his wife Jennifer, daughter Lorraine and her husband Nathan Storms, Daughter Jessica and her husband Brent Metzgar, as well as the grandchildren named above. Also surviving Frank is his sister Diane and her husband Laslo Varadi, their children John, Denise and Kim and their families, along with nephew Fred Longo. Frank was predeceased by his parents, Frank Sr. and Louise, his brother Fred, sister Carole, brother-in-law Charles Swanson, nephew Craig Longo and nieces Lisa Swanson and Krista Swanson.
Frank's wishes were to be cremated and eventually planted with a tree. He wanted no viewing and no funeral service, considering both to be "torture for the family." Instead, he wanted to leave an environmentally friendly footprint, marking his time on earth. He wished for a "bon voyage celebration of life" as he moves on. The date for a private celebration will be announced to family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Center for Animal Health and Welfare, 1165 Island Park Road, Easton, PA 18042. Frank was an animal lover and made a home for a number of cats as well as two dogs over the years. Newest cat, Lucy, will miss him just as Frank missed each of his beloved pets on their passing.
Frank was one-of-a-kind and will be missed. His love of family and kindness to everyone is a wonderful example for us all to follow.