Michael Lewis Luongo went home to heaven on Sunday, April 23, 2023 in Waldron, Arkansas. Michael was born on October 7, 1949 in Yeadon, Pennsylvania to Rudolph Nicholas Luongo and Betty Lee (Belcher) Hahn.
Michael and his sisters grew up in Springfield, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia. Michael loved to tell funny stories about growing up and the mischief he and his friends got into. After graduating from Springfield High School in 1968 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and subsequently served in Vietnam. It was an experience he carried with him for the rest of his life. Throughout his life he encountered many ups and downs and as a result, tried not to miss a chance to help others when he could.
Michael was married to his love, Marianne (Tate) Luongo for 52 years. Together they raised their son and daughter. Michael loved being a father and in later years, being “Pop Pop” to his five grandchildren. Though miles apart, Michael loved and remained close to all of his family.
Michael was blessed with a close family of friends that he made in Waldron. He was watched over and cared for by many generous and loving friends. On any given day Michael could be seen scooting around Waldron in his wheelchair, having breakfast with friends at The Rock Cafe, going up the hill to mass at St. Jude Thaddeus Church, but most often zipping to Waldron Nursing & Rehabilitation Center to visit his wife Marianne.
Michael loved to write, reminisce, play guitar, and listen to music of all kinds. He was a member of the local VFW, the Knights of Columbus, and was a member of Class 15 from the University of Arkansas LeadAR program. He loved God and his faith was a guide and a comfort to him.
Michael leaves behind his wife Marianne and two children; his son Mark and wife Robin of Castle Rock, Colorado and their children Colby and Ceejai, and his daughter Nicole and husband George Thompson of Underhill, Vermont and their sons Patrick, Simon, and Henry. Michael is also survived by two sisters, Elizabeth Youmans MacPherson of Nashville, Tennessee and Joann Johnston of Olympia, Washington.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Betty, his brother Jerry Lee of Waldron, Arkansas, and his sister Sandra Luongo of Daphne, Alabama.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held to celebrate Michael’s life at Saint Jude Thaddeus Church in Waldron, Arkansas on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 10 am. Following that, his ashes will be interred in a private ceremony with his family at the National Cemetery in Fort Smith. Any donations you may consider should be a simple act of kindness. Whether it is holding the door open for someone or paying for someone’s breakfast, we can keep Michael’s spirit alive by doing what we can for others.
Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.
