RITA “GIGI” LUONGO

DEBARY, Fla. — Rita “Gigi” (Whitney) Luongo, widow of Joseph Luongo, died peacefully in her DeBary, Fla., home on July 19, 2024, at the age of 90. Rita was born in Salisbury, Vt., on May 7, 1934, to Vaughn Whitney and Gladys Billings. She grew up in Middlebury, Vt., and always considered herself a Vermonter regardless of where she resided.

Rita left Vermont in 1952 to attend the Massachusetts General Hospital Nursing Program in Boston. She graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1955. While she was in nursing school she met the love of her life, Joseph Luongo. She said those three years were full of joy, hope, and hard work, and gave her a sense of accomplishment. She was always proud of being a Mass General graduate and worked there after graduation as a pediatric nurse.

Rita and Joe married in 1956 and were married for 54 wonderful years. They moved from Boston to the small suburban town gem of Boxboro, Mass., where they raised their three children. After her youngest child reached school age she worked for Dr. Mary Donald in Acton, Mass., for 20 years until she retired. After retirement, she and her husband spent five years traveling, biking and camping in the U.S. before settling in DeBary, Fla.

Rita felt that her biggest accomplishment was raising her three children to be strong, happy, and respected adults. She was an avid baker and made the best cookies and apple pies. Christmas cookies were her specialty, which she shared with all her kids and grandkids throughout the years.

She was an active volunteer throughout her life. She volunteered for Girl Scouts, 4-H Club, and Groton Pony Club and founded a group called the Boxboro Youth Corp (that helped teenagers find jobs). Later she volunteered by leading various activities at the Kings Lake Community in DeBary, Fla., including exercise classes, water aerobics and line dancing into her 80’s.

She is survived by her beloved canine companion, Callie; children Joseph (Lillie) Luongo of Acton, Mass., Linda (Steve) Ryan of Boxboro, Mass., and Kathy (Thomas) Detchemendy of Maryville, Tenn. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Virginia Luongo of Acton, Mass.; Kassie (Liam) Ulbricht of Knoxville, Tenn.; Thomas Detchemendy of Birmingham, Ala.; Casey Ryan of New Orleans, La.; and Mackenzie Ryan of Lewisville, N.C.

She was predeceased by her husband, Joe, and her siblings, Audrey Whitney, Vernon Whitney, Gwen Howe, Thelma Bushway, Barb Elliot, Dotty Streeter and Joy Tift.

A private gathering will be held for the immediate family at a later time. Donations can be made to the Animal Rescue of your choice. ◊