Michael J. Lonergan

Michael J. Lonergan, 77, of South Plainfield, NJ, passed away peacefully at his home, with his loving family by his side, on August 6, 2025.
Born and raised in Summit, NJ, the son of Anne (nee Harley) and John Lonergan. He had resided in South Plainfield the past 45 years.
Mike was a proud graduate of Summit High School and a lifelong public servant. He served with honor and dedication as a firefighter for the City of Summit for 26 years, retiring in 1998. He was also one of the original drivers for the state's first Medic truck and worked with them for several years. Known for his unwavering commitment to the safety of his community, Michael earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, friends, and neighbors alike. When asked by anyone he would tell them that he never had a bad day on the job. Mike was a life member of the State of New Jersey FMBA and served on the Executive Board for many years. He was also an FMBA Valor Award recipient. After retiring from the fire department Mike started his own lawncare business, Mikie Does It, in the Summit area, which he operated for 20 years before retiring in 2018. Always one to keep busy, Mike began working as a funeral attendant, first for William R. Dangler Funeral Home in Summit from 1998 to 2005 then for Paul Ippolito Memorials in Summit and Berkeley Heights from 2005-2021. His sincerity and compassion were a constant comfort to all he encountered. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his quiet sense of humor, and the deep care he showed to those around him.
Michael is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Carol (nee Suurballe) of South Plainfield, his cherished siblings, Bridget Browne of Scotch Plains, Eilleen Russell of Summit, Rose West of Madison, Kathleen Sanguiliano of Fanwood, Dennis Lonergan of Summit, and Laura Carlson of Kingwood, TX. Mike is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a host of close friends who will cherish his memory always. He was pre-deceased by his sisters, Mary Piraneo and Joan Lonergan.
He served with courage. He lived with kindness. He will be missed.
The visitation will be held at Paul Ippolito Summit Memorial, 7 Summit Ave., Summit, NJ on Monday, August 11th from 4:00-8:00 PM. The funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Teresa of Avila Church, 306 Morris Ave., Summit, NJ on Tuesday, August 12th at 10:45 AM. To view the mass via live stream please click on the following link https://boxcast.tv/view/funeral-mass-for-michael-lonergan-dwlsnpfh0atpr5zgjfis.Committal service will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mike's memory to Shrine of St. Joseph (www.shrineofsaintjoseph.com), Dominican Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary (www.summitdominicans.org) or St. Jude’s Specialized Children's Hospital (www.stjude.org).
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch Or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!"
Ralph Waldo Emerson