Michael Longo "Grandpa"
Michael was born May 14, 1930 in Wellsville, Ohio and came to the Akron area in 1954. Mike was a barber for 47 years. He worked in several barbershops before opening Mike's Barbershop in the Acme Click store. Many of Mike's younger customers knew him as "Edsel Besel". He had a great sense of humor and often said he love barbering because it "beats working." He retired in 2001. He was a Korean war veteran and a member of St. Matthew Church. Mike was active in the church and was past president of the Holy Name Society. He was twice elected Man of the Year and in 1996 received the lifetime achievement award. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4664 and was awarded life honorary membership. Mike was past president of the St. Matthew's credit union and served on St. Matthew's Parish Council for two years. Mike helped set up St. Matthew's bingo and called BINGO for 24 years. An avid card player, Mike helped run the monthly Holy Name euchre tournaments. He also enjoyed playing checkers and cribbage. Mike loved to cook and was well-known for his spaghetti dinners and garlic bread.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary; his sister, Vera Tilton; and parents, Frank and Amelia Longo.
He is survived by sister, Susan Longo; sons, Michael (Ramona Sue) Longo and Mark (Barbara) Longo; grandchildren, Cherish Reksten, Matthew Longo, Jennifer Carsner, Cierrah Longo, Tony Longo, Joey Longo, and Samantha Longo; and great-grandchildren, Jackson Carsner and Naliah Carr.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 9 from 5-8 p.m. at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron. Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Friday at 9:15 a.m. followed by a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.