Ivona (Merlo) Longo, a long time Medford resident, passed away peacefully at the Winchester Nursing Center on Saturday, January 29th. Raised in Roxbury, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Maria (Costabello) Merlo. A Medford resident for over 50 years, Ivona worked as an administrator with the Century Bank up until her retirement.
Ivona was devoted to her family. Her children and grandchildren meant everything to her and she supported them with her love throughout their lives. She was also a loyal sister and an aunt who cared deeply for her nieces and nephews. A friend to many, Ivona enjoyed time going out with her friends, taking trips, weekly card games and occasional visits to Mohegan Sun.
The beloved mother of Donna Zak and her husband Bobby of Manchester, NH, Frank Longo and his partner John Lever of Woburn, Karen Walter and her husband Edward of Manchester, NH and Richard Longo of Winchester, Ivona was a loving grandmother to Nicole, Michele, Catrina, Meghan, Andrew, Andrea, and Ricky. She was a dear sister of Aldo and Joe Merlo and the late Ines and Gino. She was a special aunt to Eddie and Margaret and their children Michelle, Anna and Julia. Ivona is also survived by many other devoted nieces and nephews.
Her funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Monday February 7th at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit at the funeral home on Sunday from 4 through 8 PM. Interment will be private.