Edward M. Longo July 7, 1934 - September 4, 2022
Miami , Florida - Born in Mount Vernon, New York, Edward M. Longo (a.k.a. “Big Eddie”) moved to South Miami (then known as Larkins) when he was just 13 months old. His family were among some of the original pioneers of South Florida, owning acres of farmland where Dadeland Mall and Kings Creek Condominium now stand.
He attended South Miami and Coconut Grove Elementary Schools and played softball on South Miami’s championship youth league. After graduating from Coral Gables High School, he attended the University of Florida, University of Miami and Miami-Dade College.
In 1956, his family built and owned the Riviera Theater Building, and at the lavish grand opening premiere, he rubbed shoulders with William Holden, Red Buttons, and Cyd Charisse. “Not bad for a skinny kid with big ears,” he would often recall. Later that year, he joined the US Army, and was stationed in Germany for two years, serving as a radio operator and member of their softball and boxing teams.
He then returned to Miami on active reserve, became an entrepreneur, and founded Kwik Print, a flourishing printing franchise which he owned and operated for over 45 years. One of his most memorable advertising campaigns invited customers to “Come Meet the Handsome
Printer.”
In 1962, he married Antoinette Latronica, the best friend of his first cousin. He convinced her to move from New York to Miami, where they would raise a fun-loving family and celebrate almost 60 years of marriage before her passing a little over a year ago. They were among the earliest residents of the Kendall area, building their home just blocks off a dirt road now known as Kendall Drive.
He was an active member of the Italian American Club, Elks Lodge and community bowling league. A civic leader at St Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church, he was a man of great faith and served as a Eucharistic Minister, President of the Men’s Club, CCD teacher, and Catholic Youth Organization counselor.
He was notorious for recounting entertaining anecdotes and real-life tales that captivated those lucky enough to listen. Like the time when UM received a bid for the Orange Bowl against South Carolina. Since the players couldn’t go home for the holidays, Longo’s family hosted a special Christmas Eve Dinner for the entire UM football team right in their own home. These and other stories inspired him in 2002 to publish his first book, titled “South Miami: A Town Where Everyone Knew Your Name,” a semi-autographical account of growing up in what was once the small town of South Miami. Soon afterward, Longo was labeled an official historian of the area by the local press and many public figures.
Throughout his life, even from a young boy, he earned a well-deserved reputation as the ultimate practical joker. He had an infectious sense of humor and high-spirited personality, always looking on the sunny side of life. Considered a second father to many, he would often load up his station wagon to take his kids and their friends to the beach, movies, fairs, and athletic events. One thing was certain, he could be counted on to lend a hand to anyone in need.
Upon retirement, he developed a penchant for bingo, and he and his wife, along with his 104-year-old mother-in-law, soon became popular fixtures at Miccosukee Gaming – where they had many friends, shared countless stories and, more often than not, went home as winners.
He enjoyed big Italian Sunday dinners, making pancakes for his grandsons, spending time with lifelong friends and loved ones, and would never pass up a good plate of fried shrimp.
He was a devoted husband, loving father, beloved brother, uncle and grandfather, and truly was a friend to all. He is survived by his three children, Edward M. Longo III, Maria Longo, Margaret-Ann Rivera and husband Chanse Rivera; two grandsons, Chanse Rivera II and Cooper Rivera; and brother, Anthony Longo.
Words cannot begin to express how deeply he will be missed.
A memorial service will be held for family and friends on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Flagler Memorial Park.