B. E. Longo
Bernard Edward Longo was born in Cleveland, Ohio on September 5, 1918. He left us on April 5, 2011. His family is rich with stories of his adventures around the world. We hold dear the memories of holidays together and laughter in the lovely home he worked so hard to provide for his family.
After graduating from Cathedral Latin School in Ohio, he was accepted at the University of Notre Dame where he graduated Cum Laude in 1941. With U.S. entry in the War eminent, he and 15 classmates joined the U.S. Naval Air Force in a ceremony on the Notre Dame campus. Thus forming what they named the “Fighting Irish Squadron”.
His first two years in the Navy, Bud drew shore duty serving as an instructor in instrument flying and in fighter gunnery and tactics. When transferred to fleet duty, he served as a carrier pilot in the Atlantic and in the Asiatic Pacific Fleet. His last assignment was with a fighter squadron aboard the U.S.S. Lexington. His final carrier landing was aboard that ship in the Sea of Japan. He was discharged with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
After his Navy experience, he was accepted at the University of Michigan Law School where he graduated in 1948 with a JD Degree. While attending law school, he married Nancy Krupp of Chicago. After graduation, he practiced law with a firm in Chicago for one year before moving with his wife and family to Montana. In Billings, he joined the firm that became Moulton, Bellingham, Longo and Mather, from which he retired at age 71.
Bud’s civic endeavors included his serving as a founding board member of United Way of Billings, as past president of the Billings Chamber of Commerce, and for many years he was Chairman of the Board of St. Vincent Hospital. He was past member of the Chicago Bar Association, past president of the Yellowstone Bar Association, and a past member of the Montana Bar Association and American Bar Association.
Bud was an avid golfer and enjoyed his memberships at the Yellowstone Country Club and the Billings Petroleum Club. He was a longtime member of St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral and in his later years, at St. Thomas the Apostle.
In years past, he and a few close friends never missed the opening day for duck, goose, or pheasant seasons. They also flew to Canada or Alaska each year for fishing trips.
Bud was a lifelong learner, engaging a wide range of interests. He created beautiful spaces with his love of gardening and fine pieces of furniture with his skilled woodworking.
Bud’s wife Nancy passed away in 1969. Their five children, Vonnie, Peter (Sheree), Mark, Bud, Jr. (Teresa) and Betsy (Chris) Gordon, enjoyed ski trips to Red Lodge over the years and summer vacations in Whitefish. Bud met his wife of 41 years, Virginia, while skiing on Grizzly Peak. They enjoyed travel and ski trips together in Colorado, Utah, and Cortina and Chervinia in the Italian Alps. Their blended family included the Roseberry children, son Michael and daughters, Linda (Todd) Baugh and Carol (Roger) Rohr.
Bud is also survived by his grandchildren Seth, Kathryn, Edward, Kirby, Anna, Chrissa, Alex, Sophie, and Max; and 2 great-granddaughters Elizabeth and Lucy as well as grandchildren Adrienne (Greg), Travis (Chris), Dain, Schyler and Michael; and great-grandchildren Drew, Connor, Aiden, Quinn, and Arianna.
Cremation has taken place. Vigil Services will be held at 7:00 P.M., Friday, April 15 at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Rite of Committal with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
While considering charitable donations in his name, please include Riverstone Hospice and The Billings Food Bank.
Remembrances
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