Joseph Longo, 86, IATSE Local 659 Member Passes AwayJoseph Longo, Emmy-nominated cameraman, producer and director for seven decades, passed away on Mar. 5, 2008. He was 86. Joe was a member of the International Photographers Guild IATSE Local 659 since 1964, while also serving the Executive Board during a 12-year span. In addition to his numerous credits in network television and freelance photography, one of his noteworthy achievements was founding the “International Combat Camera Association.” As its former president, he placed his efforts in ensuring that combat cameramen and women got the credit and recognition for their heroic efforts in putting themselves in harms way in order to capture historical moments. Longo began his career path at Hofstra College where he studied photography in the liberal arts program. His first assignments came during World War II. After being turned down by the Royal Canadian Air Force, he would enlist into the U.S. Army, eventually being a part of the 6th Combat Camera Unit 13th Air Force as a photographer-gunner. Upon his return from duty, Joe married the former Patricia Ann Victores, settling in Levittown, New York until being recalled for the Korean War. He would serve as a combat photographer once again until being transferred to Germany in 1953. While stationed in Germany, his career would take off as he was chosen to head an Air Force photo team assigned for filming the CBS Air Power series with Walter Cronkite. After stints with aviation photography, Longo worked as a cameraman, producer and director for Jack Douglas productions. During the '60s, Joe became a staff cameraman for ABC News covering much of the turbulent era's events like the Cuban Missile Crisis, Kennedy's assassination, Vietnam, Moon landings, the Chicago and Watts riots, and Haiti's civil disputes. Following his career with ABC, Joe turned his career over to freelance duties. His credits as a freelancer include documenting various HBO, National Geographic and PBS documentaries and specials such as Rockwell Scientific Polar Flight, a single orbit around both poles which established eight world records; The Lost Squadron, a World War II aircraft recovery expedition in Greenland; and a 1976 sail operation, The Tall Ships, to name a few. He provided coverage for three winter Olympics from 1980-1988 and the 1984 summer games in Los Angeles for the BBC, German, Italian, French and Dutch broadcasts. He also worked the Academy Awards for the foreign press and contributed to shows like 20/20; Jacques Cousteau; ABC's Wide World of Sports; and Real People. In addition, Longo received consultant credits on the two-hour Steven Spielberg-produced documentary, Shooting War that aired in 2000 because of his extensive association and accomplishments in combat photography. Joe is survived by his sons; Vincent and Jaime; daughter Debbie and three grandchildren; Lisa, Jay and Joseph. May 24 Memorial Service for Joseph Longo. For information click here. |