Stephen J. Longo

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stephen James Longo of Manchester, NH. His brave battle with cancer ended on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

Born on June 6, 1953 to Marguerite and Carl Longo in Lawrence, MA, he was recognized as the “1953 City of Lawrence Centennial Week” Baby!

The family moved to Manchester where he attended St. Joseph and St. Catherine’s grammar schools. He then attended Manchester Central High School where he earned the position as co-captain of the Central Little Green Football Team, leading them to a winning season and was awarded the Lance Benjamin Trophy for best lineman. He was chosen to play for the 1971 NH All Star Squad and was also voted “Best Looking” in his class – which gave his sisters lots to tease him about!

Stephen was a dreamer. After a year at UNH, working for a time in the family business, and training with a celebrated French chef in Florida, he found his passion for music, art, and poetry. This landed him in a little cottage on the bluffs of Ocean Beach, California. There, he attended San Diego City College of Professional Studies where he received two associate degrees in Commercial and Fine Arts. He then went on to San Diego University and graduated with high honors and a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. Stephen loved music and formed a band called “Wishpool” playing in venues throughout San Diego. He was the lead singer and guitarist, and composed the music and lyrics to dozens of original songs that were copywritten and recorded by various artists.

Stephen faced and fought addiction and mental health issues throughout his life and worked for two years at a treatment facility in Escondido, CA, giving back to those who struggled as he did. Stephen was deeply spiritual, insightful, and astonishingly creative. He never forgot his roots and returned home often to visit his beloved Mom and Dad. His family feels so blessed to have hundreds of pieces of his life’s work, including beautiful paintings, drawings, dozens of books filled with his poetry, tapes of his original music, and crazy cartoons that he always drew to make them laugh (which he loved to do).

Stephen was recently predeceased by his partner of many years, Katie, and his brother Mark. He is survived by his daughter Brianne Martel; a beautiful granddaughter Lacy; sisters, Carla and Nancy Longo; brother Brian Longo, and many nieces and nephews.

Stephen did not want a service but asked his sisters to simply “scatter my ashes in the ocean in Ogunquit with Mum.”

In his memory, donations may be made to the Farnum Center, 140 Queen City Ave, Manchester NH 03103 or VNA of Manchester and Southern NH, 1070 Holt Ave, Suite 1400, Manchester NH 03109.