Carolyn Marion (DiLella) Longo's Obituary
Carolyn Marion (DiLella) Longo, 98, passed away on December 23, 2017 at The Cottages, just shy of her 99th birthday. A devout Catholic with rosaries always at arms’ length, Carolyn’s faith knew no bounds. Prayer, reflection and daily mass services steered her life’s path. Carolyn was a single mother who raised two children while working fulltime. She was both a mother and a father figure, teaching her children, then five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, that faith, unconditional love and devotion to family precede all else. Though she always lived in the moment, she never forgot the loved ones she lost throughout her life: her son, Joseph, her mother and father, and loving sister, Carm.
While family always came first – she never missed a game, dance recital or family event –Carolyn could always be counted on to drive her friends to doctor appointments or the grocery store, and spend hours on the phone chatting in her native Italian tongue, to her sister, close friends and family members. Though she enjoyed traveling, her pride and joy was the upkeep of her house on the Northside, where she resided for nearly ninety years.
Though a coffee addict, an avid sports fan and a Yankee fanatic, Carolyn was best known for her cooking. Italian cookies, homemade tomato sauce she canned each year with four generations by her side, Christmas calamari, and raviolis made from scratch were among her famous dishes.
Carolyn’s love of life was infectious. Squeezing family’s rosy cheeks, dancing in the kitchen, listening to beloved Italian songs, walking regularly, and playing the accordion and the piano, brought joy to her and all those around her. She is survived by her two children, daughter, Carole Gaston, and son, Dr. James Longo (Christine); along with her five grandchildren Kristen DeVaney (Michael), Kimberly Voutsinas (Michael), Richard Gaston (Danielle), Katie Longo (Chase), and Meghan Longo; four great-grandchildren, Ryan, Connor, Leah and Anthony; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her sister Carmella Simiele, brother Nick DiLella, beloved niece Donna Simiele, and son Joseph.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Carolyn’s life in Immaculate Conception Church at 12 Noon. Entombment will follow in Assumption Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 P.M. on Tuesday December 26, 2017 at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Road, (Corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, N.Y.
Carolyn’s family is comforted that the Yankees have a new fan in heaven.
Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Crouse Health Foundation, 736 Irving Ave. Syracuse, NY 13210.
What’s your fondest memory of Carolyn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carolyn?
Share a story where Carolyn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carolyn you’ll never forget.
How did Carolyn make you smile?