Robert J. Longo, 74, a retired lieutenant of the Fox River Valley Gardens Police Department, died Friday at a hospital in McAllen, Texas. A native of Chicago, Mr. Longo spent most of his life as a police officer, working for the Roselle Police Department and the Barrington Park District, among others. Between 1982 and 1994, he worked as one of nine officers in Fox River Valley Gardens. Hired as a sergeant, he quickly rose to the position of lieutenant. “He was very respected by his fellow officers and, really, by the whole community,” said Chief Ron Chan. Mr. Longo was the past president of the Illinois Police Federation and a member of the board of directors for the Italian-American Police Association. He spent much of his free time crafting belts and other leather products. For a short while, in his early years, he worked as a professional wrestler. Survivors include his wife, Beverly; two sons, Michael Longo and Michael Berner; two daughters, Dyan Glover and Barbara Friedley; and 10 grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in Countryside Funeral Home, 1640 Greenmeadows Blvd., Streamwood. Arrangements for the funeral service were incomplete Sunday.
