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Longano, Linda Frances December 9, 1944 - February 24, 2021

Linda Frances Longano of Budd Lake, NJ passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Hackettstown Medical Center. Linda, known by those who loved her as “Fran”, was born on December 9, 1944 in Paterson, NJ.  Fran was the loving daughter of the late Robert E. Lynch and Kathryn (Duncan) Lynch.

Fran’s love of a good adventure, her passion for art, empathy for others, sparkling wit, and breathtaking intelligence made her light up every room she was in.  She graduated from Traphagen School of Art in her favorite city, New York.  In 1969 she married the love of her life, Anthony Longano Sr., and soon moved to the place she loved to call home, Ringwood NJ.  During that time she raised Anthony Longano Jr. while also dedicating large amounts of her time volunteering at Saint Catherine’s Parish.  Later on she worked at many jobs including as a cook at the Friary for retired priests, a sous-chef for a caterer, and a nanny.  During her life Fran enjoyed traveling, striking up conversations with anyone who wanted to chat, and spending time with her family and friends.  She was a person who always gave of herself and expected nothing in return. Fran was a dedicated mother, wife, sister, and friend. While she will be missed she will never be forgotten.

Fran is survived by her loving husband Anthony J. Longano, Sr., her son Anthony J. Longano, Jr., her sisters, Maureen and her husband Walter Berendt, Sharon and her husband Tom Romans, Sue and her husband Steve Deutsch, and her brother, Robert E. Lynch and his wife Nett.  Fran is also survived by her many loving nieces and nephews.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown NJ 07840.

A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to her favorite charities – A Room to Grow at https://www.roomtogrow.org/donate-funds or Habitat for Humanity https://www.habitat.org/donate/?keyword=header-single-gift 

Condolences(8)

  1. REPLY
    Bob & Mary Bordone says
    February 27, 2021 at 1:30 am

    Dearest Fran,

    Mary and I will always remember the many trips into Manhattan around the holidays to stroll 5th Ave and St Patricks cathedral and eventually wind up at the windows of Bergdorf Goodman which always excited your artistic instincts. How many great meals we shared over the years and our many trips to AC where Tony would always beg for another $20 bill and which you so graciously doled out to him. You enjoyed the company and always had a interested disposition. Many a night you and Mary would speak on phone for well over an hour and Mary always felt cheered by your inspiring words. Your presence did surely light up a room whenever you joined us. May you now rest without pain and keep everyone cheered up in God’s sight.. Meanwhile you truly will be very very missed by all of us still here!
    Love,
    Bob and Mary

    • Aj says
      March 1, 2021 at 3:18 am

      Thank you for the found memories. Mom and Dad certainly have enjoyed many hours of sharing good food and casino time with friends and family. Appreciate you taking the time to leave a condolence for mom.

  2. REPLY
    Bob and Judy Cannon says
    February 27, 2021 at 2:24 am

    We are so very sorry Tony, Fran was always a joy to be around. Jude and I send our condolences.

    • Aj says
      March 1, 2021 at 3:19 am

      Thank you for the kind words.

  3. REPLY
    Valerie Dorrler says
    February 28, 2021 at 12:19 am

    Fran Dear,

    How can I say goodbye to the one who has been “my person” for 44 years? During that time, I went to you first with any joys and/or sadnesses, and you were always there. I hope you felt that I gave you a fraction of that comfort and love back.

    I want to thank you, my very dear and brilliant friend, for all the fun and all the tours of all the diners in New Jersey. We had so many laughs during our adventures in NYC, Cape Cod, Cabo San Lucas, and Washington, D.C. Our days in St. Catherine’s in Ringwood, where we were affectionately known as Lucy and Ethel, led me to you. We were of one mind on so many things (our love of creativity and perfectionism) which immediately bonded us together. I was so lucky to find the kindest, sweetest, most gentle of souls on this earth. I will miss forever your laughter; your optimism about everything in life; and your infinite patience with life. As you move on to your greatest adventure, I am quite sure the road rose to meet you.

    Please know I will keep in touch with you beloved husband, Anthony, and your son, AJ, of whom you should be so proud. I will always be “Fran’s friend” and you will always be in my heart as “Val’s pal”. In all this world, I could never ever find another friend like you who would move heaven and Earth to help people. Thank you, God, for this blessing you gave to all who knew Fran. She is and will be remembered forever, and I will miss her beyond words. I cannot yet process her not being here or imagine Tony without her. God bless and keep her safe and at peace. Until we meet again, may God hold her in the palm of His hand, my dearest Irish friend. Love, Fran’s friend, Valerie and family.

    Maureen, Sharon, Sue, and Rob, I am so sorry for your great loss.

    • Aj says
      March 1, 2021 at 3:22 am

      Thank you again for such a beautiful message.

  4. REPLY
    Sharon Romans says
    March 17, 2021 at 7:07 pm

    Fran,
    You were my rock, my “fixer upper”, and no matter how long this journey of life is, you were my voice of reason through all the dark and bright moments. Your wonderful spirit, comforting words and gentle laughter were always a heartbeat away. I will miss you more than life itself.
    Now is the time to grieve and every day I take time to pause and reflect on your beautiful soul and what I have lost. I will remember you, dear sister, and I will cherish your memory and I will celebrate our special moments together. Thank you for a lifetime of these memories.
    You adored everyone and you left a bright smile on everyone’s heart.
    Fran, I wish I could tell you how many times you warmed my very soul. I will cherish your spirit dearly.
    You were such a strong, fierce (yet gentle) and adventurous sister and friend to me and a super “Auntie” to my kids and for this I thank you.
    Goodbye “SIs”…Rest in Peace. I love you and I miss you.
    Sharon

  5. REPLY
    Jean Presutti says
    March 26, 2021 at 8:51 pm

    Dear Anthony
    We were so saddened to hear of the loss of your beautiful wife Fran. We send our prayers to you and your son Anthony Jr. MayGod look after you and your family.
    Rest In Peace dear Fran.
    Sincerely, Jean and Anthony Presutti

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