Carmine J. Luongo, Jr.

Carmine J. Luongo, Jr., age 75, of Staten Island passed Wednesday June 10, 2026 with the comfort of his family by his side. Carmine was born to Grace (nee Dente) and Carmine Luongo Sr. on May 8, 1951 and grew up as part of a tight knit family in New Brighton. As a young teenager he played football for Cress Football League on the offensive line and never gave up a sack. Carmine graduated from McKee High School in Staten Island with the class of 1969. After graduating he became a Local 3 electrician in Manhattan. He completed the HVAC program at Apex Technical School in 1974 which led to his eventual career with the Port Authority of NY & NJ. Carmine was a jack of all trades with a natural aptitude to solve any type of mechanical or electrical problem, however insurmountable it seemed. He worked many jobs including pumping gas at his uncle's gas station as a youth, working for another uncle at his deli and being a tow truck driver. He began his career with the Port Authority of NY & NJ in March 1975 as a gardener's helper at Port Newark. He then worked in the heating and air conditioning plant at Kennedy airport for several years, and was promoted to Mechanical Supervisor at the World Trade Center where he was in charge of electrical, plumbing and HVAC contractors for the Port Authority. On February 26, 1993 his office was destroyed by the terrorist basement bombing and he lost many coworkers, surviving only because he and 3 other coworkers were out to lunch at the time the bomb exploded. Immediately returning to the building he led first responders down to the basement level, through the rubble to help locate and rescue other staff members, being awarded the Medal of Valor by the Port Authority for these actions. In the months following, he worked 16 hour days assisting in the restoration of the destroyed area. He remained at the World Trade Center until September 11. 2001, this time losing numerous coworkers, being blessed to be scheduled to work a later shift that day. The Port Authority then offered him the position of Mechanical Supervisor at Newark Airport where he remained until retiring in October 2010. Carmine enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October of 1968 and served on the USS John King Nuclear Missile Destroyer with his brother Anthony and was stationed in the Mediterranean during the Vietnam War. While stationed he would send his younger brother Stephen a note and money from each country he stopped in. He received a National Defense Service Medal during his time of service. He was released from active duty on August 23, 1971 and transferred to Naval Reserve until October 28, 1974, when he was Honorably discharged. Carmine was loving, caring, loyal, and was the person everyone called to troubleshoot and repair ANYTHING, from plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, to auto engines, boat motors, and carpentry issues. A big man with huge hands, he was lovingly called "Shovels" by his co-workers. When he and his wife bought their first home, he singlehandedly added a 16 x 20-foot living room and a second floor with 2 bedrooms and a full bath. There was nothing Carmine could not fix or build. He was a shining example of a family man, taking his son fishing every chance he got. A few weeks before his daughter's 16th birthday pool party, she mentioned that she would love a dance floor in the backyard for the party. He got in his truck, bought the lumber, and built a 2-level deck around the pool, big enough for a crowd to dance. He loved family vacations in Ocean City, Maryland and Aruba. He was a great cook, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time at the boat yard and watching his son and then grandsons play football. Nothing brought him more pleasure than spoiling his family with outings and trips, and he loved the close relationship he shared with his grandsons. He was an active member of Prince's Bay Boatmen's Association where he kept his boat. Carmine was a founding member of the Cooley's Anemia Foundation's Staten Island Chapter, being elected President of the Chapter in 1988 and served two 2-year terms in that capacity. He ran the Chapter's Bachelor Auction fundraiser, several walkathons, and the Chapter's annual Dinner Fashion Show fundraiser, along with weekly singles dances at the Staaten. Carmine was one of four children growing up with his older brother Anthony, and younger siblings Pamela and Stephen. He was pre-deceased by his parents and his sister, Pamela, and brother, Anthony. He is survived by his youngest brother, Stephen Luongo. Carmine met Cathi through a mutual friend in the summer of 1972. They married on March 16, 1974 at St. Ann's Church on Staten Island and lived in Great Kills for 2 years before purchasing their home in Huguenot. They enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage of 52 years. Carmine and Cathi were blessed with two children: Diane and Michael, and two grandsons Robbie and Christopher. He will also be deeply missed by his sister-in-law, Lori Young, brother-in-law, Paul Caltabellotta and his wife, Laura, future son-in-law, Larry Guidice, and numerous nieces and nephews. Within the last few months, he was blessed to welcome two great nephews and one great-great nephew into his family. Friends may visit with the family at the John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals at 28 Eltingville Boulevard, Staten Island, NY on Saturday, June 13, from 7-9pm; Sunday June 14, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral Services will be held at 9:30am on Monday, June 15 from the funeral home, then to Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 5371 Amboy Road where a 11:00am Funeral Mass will be offered. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 361 Sharrott Avenue. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to The Cooley's Anemia Foundation would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made online in Carmine's honor at thalassemia.org by clicking on "Donate" or mailed to Cooley's Anemia Foundation, Tribute Card Program, 330 Seventh Avenue, Suite 200, New York, NY 10001

Carmine J. Luongo, Jr.

May 8, 1951 - June 10, 2026