Hubert Gerard Fleuriet Longo

Hubert Gerard Fleuriet Longo was born in New Orleans on Groundhog Day in 1941 to Pascal Longo and Florence Fleuriet Longo. He grew up in Gentilly, where childhood adventures were always close at hand—on foot, by bicycle, or by the seven-cent NOPSI bus. As for hitchhiking, he liked to say that part remained “classified information.”

He attended St. Rose de Lima, McDonogh No. 28, and John McDonogh Senior High, graduating with the class of 1960. During his junior year, Hubert joined the U.S. Naval Air Reserve, completed “Accelerated Airman Training” (a.k.a. Boot Camp), and later graduated from Aviation Electronics Technician school in Memphis, Tennessee.

His Naval Reserve service shaped the next chapter of his life. After beginning college at LSUNO, Hubert was called to active duty with Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 821 (VS-821) in 1961. He served as a radar technician and crewman/operator in S2F Tracker aircraft at air stations including Guantanamo Bay, Key West, Jacksonville, Norfolk, New Orleans, and Cherry Point.

Hubert resumed his studies at LSUNO and became a lineman at Southern Bell before spending 2.5 years at NAS New Orleans as an aircrew instructor for reserve crews in both the S2F Tracker and SP2E Neptune aircraft. After returning from active duty, he continued his 35-year career with the phone company in both craft and management positions, and worked throughout New Orleans, Hammond, and Lafayette.

In retirement, Hubert gave generously of his time. He volunteered at the Audubon Aquarium and Zoo, where he especially enjoyed delighting the visitors with baby alligators, snakes, and tarantula encounters. He also volunteered at the National World War II Museum, where he enjoyed interactions with guests from across the country and around the world. He also loved the pre-shift briefings in the volunteer lounge.

Hubert was a 54-year member of the American Legion and served Henry Thomas Ross Post 137 as both commander and adjutant. Service, fellowship, and community remained important parts of his life.

Most of all, Hubert treasured time with Joan and his family. He loved bringing everyone together for Thanksgiving gatherings, Fourth of July barbecues, and crawfish boils. He also enjoyed traveling, including scuba diving trips to Roatán, Honduras. These moments captured his warmth, humor, and joy in sharing life with the people he loved.

Hubert was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Florence Barbetta (James) and Jean Wortmann (Pete); and his grandson, Joseph Pascal Longo. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan Kassel Longo; his son, Darrell Longo (Julie); his daughter, Angela Marshall (David); his grandchildren, Ashleigh Johnson (Bradley), Michael Longo (Grace), and Matthew Longo; his great-grandson, Jasper Johnson; and his sisters, Linda Ekoniak (Jim) and Donna Bordelon.

Hubert passed away peacefully at age 85, surrounded by the people he loved. He will be remembered as a playful spirit who loved to laugh, joke, and bring smiles to those around him.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM. He will be laid to eternal rest in Metairie Cemetery.