John Longhi

1947 - 2023

John Longhi

John Longhi, 75, of Hometown, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023, in his home after a lengthy battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. He was the husband of Juliann (Oravec) Longhi. They would have celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on May 16, 2023.

Born on Nov. 4, 1947, in Coaldale, he was a son of the late Bartol and Maria (Panizza) Longhi. He was a 1965 graduate of Marian Catholic High School and earned his B.S. in business from Pennsylvania State University and remained an ardent Nittany Lion fan.

John was a member of St. John XXIII R.C.C. of Tamaqua, and worked for PPL for 33 years. In retirement, John and Juliann enjoyed world-traveling adventures. They were blessed to be able to spend their winters in Florida, where they loved playing pickleball.

An avid outdoorsman, John enjoyed fishing, boating and hiking. One of his proudest accomplishments was hiking Mount Presanella in the Adamello-Presanella range of the Italian Alps of northern Italy. As a first-generation Italian American, he passed his love for Italy to his family and was proud to be able to take them on many visits.

John was selfless in his dedication to his family. His wife, children and grandchildren were the most important parts of his life.

Surviving in addition to Juliann are his daughters, Monica and her husband, David Willans, of Plymouth Meeting, and Melissa and her husband, Tom Amershek, of West Penn Township. He was the loving Nonno to four grandchildren, Tyler and Derek Willans and Emily and Ethan Amershek. He is also survived by his brother, William J. Longhi (Anne) and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Angelina Kemmerer (Allen); and a great-nephew, Trentino Longhi.

His 75 years were too few, but his laugh, silliness and stories will be long remembered.

Service: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in John's name at 10 a.m. Friday, May 19 at St. John XXIII R.C.C., 307 Pine St., Tamaqua. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Summit Hill. Friends may call from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. Friday in the church social hall. Arrangements by E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to the American Cancer Society, Tamaqua/Carbon Unit, P.O. Box 33, Lansford, PA 18232.

Online condolences or a fond memory of John can be expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.