Anthony 'Tony' Longley

CASCO — Anthony "Tony" J. Longley, 58, took his last flight on Friday, Aug. 30, 2013, savoring his passion and lifelong dream of flight.

He was born on June 27, 1955, at the Old Bridgton Hospital. Although an only child, he had many cousins and friends who were happy to join him on his many adventures. Anthony graduated from Lake Region High School in 1973 and that June married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie. They had two daughters, and were married for 40 years.

Anthony was a jack-of-all-trades. There wasn't anything he couldn't do that he set his mind to. He started working at the age of 12 with his father and grandfather, learning masonry and carpentry. He always had a keen eye and capable hands to match his vision and talents. After school he worked as a logger, cultivating his knowledge of timber and the woods, and had worked for Lake Region Lumber, Burnham Brothers, and Dragon Cement, to name a few. After his father retired in 1991, he rejoined his family business and started Longley's Caretaking, which then included property maintenance, but in the later 1990s focused on excavation.

He was a free spirit from birth, and the life of the party. He spun hilarious stories of his antics, always fun and never mean spirited, of pranks with Pat up and down Rt. 11, mischief in Harrison, Bridgton and Naples with his fun-loving cousins, and car racing, snowmobiling and ice fishing with Neil. In 1990 he and his friend Dale traveled to the 50th Sturgis Biker Rally, with their Harleys loaded onto the back of a doubtful, old pickup truck. The truck failed and was abandoned on the way west, but that couldn't deter them in making the rally, and roaring back in all kinds of weather. That was Anthony, impossible to deter. Anthony was devoted to his family and loved animals, he enjoyed life and providing for his wife, children and grandkids. He was a friend to many and was happy to help them with his wisdom and time whenever possible.

Anthony is predeceased by his parents, Eleanore Rollins Longley and Robert Franklin Longley. He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie Longley, of Casco; daughters, Holly Longley of Naples, and Dani Longley, her fiancé Christopher Dyer; and his two grandchildren, Carly and Reuben Dyer, also of Naples.

Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, at Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge in Casco. Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Anthony would appreciate donations to Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, 1389 Bridgton Rd., Fryeburg, ME 04037.