Linda Luongo

When Linda Luongo walked into a room, those in her company felt energy, an enthusiastic spontaneity. This was just one example of who Linda was and how she impacted those around her. Linda was a clever and gregarious person who always sought out the finest attributes in other people. It was as if Linda wanted to share all of their experiences, revel in their lives and celebrate their discoveries. Linda was funny, a jokester, tireless and had boundless enthusiasm that would serve her well throughout her life.

She was the daughter of Cosimo and Antoinette Gagliardo. Linda was raised in Brooklyn, New York. Always at the ready with a good joke, she grew up to be quite a humorous person. While some who knew Linda might describe her as an idealist, her friends and family understood well that Linda was always in pursuit of life’s endless possibilities and opportunities available to her.

Linda was raised with one sibling, her sister Loretta. She was perceived as the central person in her family in terms of keeping communication open between the family members. These traits served Linda well in her adult life and, along with her wit, outgoing personality, and understanding of others, drew the admiration of many who knew her.

Linda's skill at “building bridges” played an important role in her ability to make her new family happy. She was quite sensitive towards John's needs, showing her constant concern and fondness. Linda was tenderhearted and sensitive, qualities that served her well in helping to nurture her family.

Linda was a natural and creative parent who was willing to provide her family with all sorts of new and interesting experiences. Linda was blessed with three children: one daughter, Allison and two step daughters, Keri and Lisa. They were also blessed with six grandchildren, Colin, Connor, Anthony, Justin, Sophia and Noah.

Throughout her life, Linda was actively involved in professional and community organizations. She was compassionate, accommodating and quick to move into action. Always able to build a consensus, Linda seemed to be the person smack dab in the middle of things, working to get things done. Those who had the opportunity to work with Linda usually agreed that when you were involved in an organization with her, it was as entertaining as anything you could imagine. Throughout her later years, Linda was an active member of the American Cancer Society, Ovations for the cure of ovarian cancer, Women in Distress and Feed the Homeless.

She is survived by her loving husband John, her daughter, Allison and two step daughters Keri and Lisa, her grandchildren Colin, Connor, Anthony, Justin, Sophia and Noah, her sister Loretta, mother Ann and many loving friends. The visitation will be held on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at Forest Lawn South Funeral Home from 5-8PM. The funeral service will be held on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 10:00AM at St. Benedict Episcopal Church at 7801 NW 5th Street, Plantation, FL 33324, followed by the entombment at Forest Lawn South Memorial Gardens. Linda will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn South Memorial Gardens in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

There was always a certain style and inventiveness to Linda. She was a dynamic, self-expressive person who was forever looking to celebrate the endless possibilities life had to offer. She had a knack for being clever, creative and witty, and for others, was a joy to be around. While she was often fiercely independent, it seemed as if many others looked to Linda Luongo for inspiration, leadership, wisdom and even courage. Linda was always more than willing to share life’s experiences with her loved ones.