Vincent J. Luongo Jr.

In Memory of

January 11, 2018

Obituary

Vincent J. Luongo Jr., 61 - Family comedian and huge New York sports fan, Vincent J. "Vinny" Luongo Jr., 61, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018, surrounded by family, with his son by his side, at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick, N.J., after a four-year battle with renal cancer.

Vincent was born and raised in Staten Island to the late Vincent J. Luongo Sr. and Rachel Ricca on June 21, 1956. He graduated from St. Peter's Boys High School, where he was the New York State Junior Champion in archery.

Shortly after high school, he began working for the Port Authority as a mason at Newark Airport. He worked as a mason for 22 years, followed by jobs in construction and Home Depot before relocating to New Jersey in 2003. At the time of his illness he was employed at Advance Auto Parts and he ultimately settled down in Old Bridge, N.J.

In his younger years, Vinny could be found roller skating, bowling or body building with friends. He always loved the New York Yankees, New York Giants, spending time in Atlantic City and enjoying the beach. His friends and family, however, will mostly remember Vinny for his sense of humor. He was always making people laugh, whether it was his customers at work or family during holiday dinners. "I learned a lot from my dad, but mostly how to add humor to any situation," said his son. One ongoing joke was about how he did not want any wakes after his death "so that people can cry or comment on how good I look? If I looked so good, I wouldn't be dead!"

Vinny is survived by his fiancee,Theresa Daniels; mother, Rachel Ricca; stepfather, Salvatore Ricca; son, Vincent Luongo; daughter-in-law, Chrystie-Lynn Luongo; sister, Ann-Marie Kowalski; brother, Anthony Luongo; stepsister, Linda DePalma; stepbrother, Ray Ricca; two brothers-in-law, and a large extended family.

His two greatest recent joys were his two-year-old grandson, Joseph, and seven-month-old granddaughter, Alexandra. His face would light up whenever he was with them.

In honoring his wishes, the family will be holding a Memorial Mass at Blessed Sacrament on Thursday, Jan. 18, at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Vinny's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a favorite charity of his.

Published in Staten Island Advance on Jan. 16, 2018