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Services
Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. at the conclusion of the visitation.
Dolores Theresa Longo
Dolores Theresa Longo, age 96, of Wayne, New Jersey, passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born in Jersey City to Frank and Emma Carr, Dolores was an only child who grew up in Jersey City and graduated from Henry Snyder High School with the Class of 1948. She believed that learning never stops and, in one of the accomplishments of which she was most proud, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from William Paterson University at the age of 50.
Throughout her life, Dolores embraced many roles. She worked at Lightolier in Jersey City where she met her beloved husband Armand, devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her family, and later worked at Stern's Department Store in Wayne. She also generously volunteered at the North Jersey Developmental Center in Totowa, where she quietly gave her time and compassion to others.
Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. Dolores was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne for many years and, more recently, St. Mary's Church in Pompton Lakes. Her faith guided her through both life's celebrations and its hardships with grace and quiet strength.
While Dolores never cared to drive and had little interest in flying, she absolutely loved to travel. Trains became one of her favorite ways to see the country, and she and her husband, Armand, spent their retirement as "snowbirds," dividing their time between Wayne and West Palm Beach, Florida. Together they explored the United States and Canada, creating countless memories along the way. Armand happily accepted his lifelong role as her chauffeur—a title affectionately known in the family as "Driving Miss Dee."
Dolores and Armand truly were inseparable. They first met while working together at Lightolier in Jersey City, fell in love, and were married on January 31, 1953. They shared seventy remarkable years of marriage and raised 5 children before Armand's passing in 2023. Whether visiting grandchildren, cheering from the sidelines at sporting events, volunteering together for the American Red Cross in Fairfield, or simply enjoying everyday life, they were happiest side by side. Above all else, Dolores loved her family.
To know Dolores was to know someone who embraced life with curiosity, humor, and unmistakable personality. She loved to read and was an avid learner, always asking questions, always interested in discovering something new. She had strong opinions and wasn't afraid to share them. A natural storyteller and creative writer, she had a gift for conversation (or a curse, at times, to her husband!).
She also possessed a wonderfully feistiness and sense of humor, sometimes with a perfectly timed and colorful "go scratch your ass." It was classic Dee! She loved swimming and being in the water, even fulfilling the unforgettable experience of swimming with dolphins. She adored wildlife and art and developed a lifelong fascination with Native American culture, proudly displaying the Hopi Kachina dolls she acquired when traveling Arizona. She also treasured her Irish heritage.
Dolores appreciated good food with enthusiasm. She never met a lobster she didn't love, could rarely resist ice cream or cookies, and was skilled in keeping a hidden stash of M&Ms. She was less skilled at keeping the boys away from her frozen Christmas cookies despite being under lock and key. She was also a loyal QVC shopper who always seemed to find one more thing she simply had to have.
Shopping with Dolores could be an adventure. She had an uncanny ability to wander off in shopping malls without warning, leaving Armand searching for her while she happily browsed somewhere else. These legendary "Houdini" disappearing acts led to more than a few "Dee, where the hell did you go?!" from Armand as well as no purchases even after more than a couple of hours.
Creativity was another hallmark of Dolores's life. She enjoyed crocheting and ceramics, lovingly creating handmade gifts that family members continue to treasure. One particular favorite was the fork & spoon salt & pepper (read peppa) shaker holder which you better have had on display when she came to your house! She loved country music and classic movies, rescued dogs whenever she could, and delighted in gathering around the table for family crossword puzzles. She also had a habit of keeping a watchful eye on the neighborhood from her favorite window, always aware of what was happening outside—one of the many little things that endeared her to those who loved her.
Family members will also fondly remember Dolores's many hairstyles through the decades, each reflecting a different chapter of her life. And if you were lucky enough to witness one of her favorite party tricks, you probably never forgot it: being naturally left-handed, she could write her name forwards and backwards at the same time using both hands simultaneously, amazing everyone who watched.
Dolores was the beloved wife of seventy years to the late Armand Longo (d. February 3, 2023); the loving mother of James Longo and his wife, Marge, of Middletown; Eugene Longo and his wife, Terry, of Rolesville, North Carolina; John Longo and his wife, Vicki, of Nutley; the late Armand Longo (d. 2021); and the late Maryann Montano (d. 2009). She was the proud and cherished grandmother of eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immeasurable joy.
Though her family grieves her passing, they find comfort knowing she is reunited with the love of her life. They will remember her for her unwavering faith, quick wit, boundless curiosity, generous heart, and the laughter she brought into every room. Her stories, traditions, and love will continue to live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dolores' name may be made to Tunnels To Towers Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, or Wayne Volunteer Fire Company #3.
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. at the conclusion of the visitation.
Services
Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. at the conclusion of the visitation.
Dolores Theresa Longo
Dolores Theresa Longo, age 96, of Wayne, New Jersey, passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born in Jersey City to Frank and Emma Carr, Dolores was an only child who grew up in Jersey City and graduated from Henry Snyder High School with the Class of 1948. She believed that learning never stops and, in one of the accomplishments of which she was most proud, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from William Paterson University at the age of 50.
Throughout her life, Dolores embraced many roles. She worked at Lightolier in Jersey City where she met her beloved husband Armand, devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her family, and later worked at Stern's Department Store in Wayne. She also generously volunteered at the North Jersey Developmental Center in Totowa, where she quietly gave her time and compassion to others.
Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. Dolores was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne for many years and, more recently, St. Mary's Church in Pompton Lakes. Her faith guided her through both life's celebrations and its hardships with grace and quiet strength.
While Dolores never cared to drive and had little interest in flying, she absolutely loved to travel. Trains became one of her favorite ways to see the country, and she and her husband, Armand, spent their retirement as "snowbirds," dividing their time between Wayne and West Palm Beach, Florida. Together they explored the United States and Canada, creating countless memories along the way. Armand happily accepted his lifelong role as her chauffeur—a title affectionately known in the family as "Driving Miss Dee."
Dolores and Armand truly were inseparable. They first met while working together at Lightolier in Jersey City, fell in love, and were married on January 31, 1953. They shared seventy remarkable years of marriage and raised 5 children before Armand's passing in 2023. Whether visiting grandchildren, cheering from the sidelines at sporting events, volunteering together for the American Red Cross in Fairfield, or simply enjoying everyday life, they were happiest side by side. Above all else, Dolores loved her family.
To know Dolores was to know someone who embraced life with curiosity, humor, and unmistakable personality. She loved to read and was an avid learner, always asking questions, always interested in discovering something new. She had strong opinions and wasn't afraid to share them. A natural storyteller and creative writer, she had a gift for conversation (or a curse, at times, to her husband!).
She also possessed a wonderfully feistiness and sense of humor, sometimes with a perfectly timed and colorful "go scratch your ass." It was classic Dee! She loved swimming and being in the water, even fulfilling the unforgettable experience of swimming with dolphins. She adored wildlife and art and developed a lifelong fascination with Native American culture, proudly displaying the Hopi Kachina dolls she acquired when traveling Arizona. She also treasured her Irish heritage.
Dolores appreciated good food with enthusiasm. She never met a lobster she didn't love, could rarely resist ice cream or cookies, and was skilled in keeping a hidden stash of M&Ms. She was less skilled at keeping the boys away from her frozen Christmas cookies despite being under lock and key. She was also a loyal QVC shopper who always seemed to find one more thing she simply had to have.
Shopping with Dolores could be an adventure. She had an uncanny ability to wander off in shopping malls without warning, leaving Armand searching for her while she happily browsed somewhere else. These legendary "Houdini" disappearing acts led to more than a few "Dee, where the hell did you go?!" from Armand as well as no purchases even after more than a couple of hours.
Creativity was another hallmark of Dolores's life. She enjoyed crocheting and ceramics, lovingly creating handmade gifts that family members continue to treasure. One particular favorite was the fork & spoon salt & pepper (read peppa) shaker holder which you better have had on display when she came to your house! She loved country music and classic movies, rescued dogs whenever she could, and delighted in gathering around the table for family crossword puzzles. She also had a habit of keeping a watchful eye on the neighborhood from her favorite window, always aware of what was happening outside—one of the many little things that endeared her to those who loved her.
Family members will also fondly remember Dolores's many hairstyles through the decades, each reflecting a different chapter of her life. And if you were lucky enough to witness one of her favorite party tricks, you probably never forgot it: being naturally left-handed, she could write her name forwards and backwards at the same time using both hands simultaneously, amazing everyone who watched.
Dolores was the beloved wife of seventy years to the late Armand Longo (d. February 3, 2023); the loving mother of James Longo and his wife, Marge, of Middletown; Eugene Longo and his wife, Terry, of Rolesville, North Carolina; John Longo and his wife, Vicki, of Nutley; the late Armand Longo (d. 2021); and the late Maryann Montano (d. 2009). She was the proud and cherished grandmother of eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immeasurable joy.
Though her family grieves her passing, they find comfort knowing she is reunited with the love of her life. They will remember her for her unwavering faith, quick wit, boundless curiosity, generous heart, and the laughter she brought into every room. Her stories, traditions, and love will continue to live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dolores' name may be made to Tunnels To Towers Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, or Wayne Volunteer Fire Company #3.
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