Maple Pointe resident Lillian Longo celebrates her 100th birthday

Lillian Longo was joined by family and friends at Maple Pointe Assisted Living in Rockville Centre on Sept. 8, to celebrate her 100th birthday. The celebration included balloons, cake, and a bountiful bouquet. Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray also dropped by to present Lillian with a proclamation recognizing her for her many accomplishments.

She was born Lilliana Mary Berlucchi in 1924 to Mario and Louise Berlucchi, but was affectionately known to friends and family as “Jett.” She was raised in Brooklyn, spending most of her childhood with her mother, her two sisters Olga and Jeannie, and her Italian grandparents. She always loved dancing, traveling and visiting the beaches at Coney Island.

When she was 20, she married her husband, Joseph Longo, in October 1944, before he was sent off to fight in the Battle of the Bulge — the largest and bloodiest battle fought by the United States Armed Forces during World War II.

Lillian’s family had deep ties to both World Wars. Her paternal uncle Bartolo died in World War I fighting for the U.S., and his American flag was later used to protect their Italian hometown from German occupation during World War II.

After the war, Lillian and Joe settled in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, where they raised two sons, Joseph Jr. and Billy. The couple became known for their generosity, sending care packages to soldiers after the war, which led to their appearance on the TV show “To Tell the Truth.”

This act of kindness later came full circle many years later, when a handyman they had hired noticed the commendation to Joseph Longo in her living room. He tearfully refused payment for the job, recognizing the couple that had sent him care packages while he was in the service overseas.

Together they opened a neighborhood candy and sandwich shop, called “Longo’s,” on Vorheis Avenue. The store became a community hub thanks to Lillian and Joe, who were known for their generosity and wise counsel, which they provided to many of the local kids who hung out around the store.

Lillian’s sons went on to have fulfilling lives. Joseph, her eldest son, became an NYPD captain. He married Marie Bianco and together had three children — Joseph, Justin and Lara. Her youngest son, Billy, was known for his humor. He worked as a well-sought-after bartender until his death at 62 from diabetes.

Joseph Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the NYPD. He now has three little girls of his own. Lara currently works in business and also has a little one of her own. Justin works as a writer for television. He got his big break after running into Alec Baldwin in New York City.

Despite many early hardships and the loss of her son, Lillian has always had an adventurous spirit. After being forced to give up the store, she was too bored to stay at home, so she got a job working for Rainbow Shops. She retired from there but got bored again, and went to work at the concession counter at a local movie theater until she was 85.

Lillian continued to live with a sense of adventure, even after her husband died in 1989. She has traveled all across the United States and Europe. She was particularly fond of Las Vegas and she adored Italy. She has dozens of stories from her trips there.

Today she enjoys reading, watching Turner Classic Movies, doing word puzzles and taking in the sun. She is well-loved by her family including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren for her humor, wisdom, and strong spirit