Longtime Restaurateur Longobardi's Enthusiasm For Life Unmatched

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Nicola "Nick" Longobardi, the longtime owner of Pompei Restaurant in Arlington Heights, died June 18 in Barrington. The Buffalo Grove resident was 82. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday at St. James Catholic Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights.

According to his obituary from Glueckert Funeral Home (Arlington Heights), Longobardi was born on Nov. 19, 1937 in Napoli, Italy to Vincenzo and Annunziata (nee Avolio) Longobardi. He moved to the United States in 1967, but his love for Italy always remained. Longobardi was proud of his military Service in Italy.

Longobardi was a proud husband, father and grandfather. He was a member of St. Mary Parish in Buffalo Grove. Longobardi and his late wife were successful restaurateurs and owned Pompei Restaurant in Arlington Heights for over 30 years. His passion for cooking and making someone's dining experience memorable was what made the restaurant so special. He lived to make people laugh and be entertained. He was often compared to the likes of Roberto Bengini because of his comedic antics. His enthusiasm and energy for life was one of a kind. He found joy in singing and would often serenade customers.

Longobardi helped form the local Internapoli Soccer Club in the 1980s. He coached many youths over the years and was influential in their lives. His passion for soccer was contagious. He loved to follow his favorite soccer team from Napoli.

Longobardi's ability to captivate a room with his story telling abilities and charisma, left an impression that will be remembered in his legacy. He was always generous and kind, showering people with love, especially his grandchildren.

Longobardi is survived by his children, Sara (Daniel) Grant and Lisa (Peter) Giudice; grandchildren, Ava Matilde Grant, Andrew W. Grant and Matteo F. Giudice; sister Emilia; sisters-in-law Robin & Mariapia; brother-in-law Steve, his special "dog" friend. Princess, along with many loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Matilde; his parents, his brothers Luigi, Alfonzo, and Vincenzo; his sisters Anna Longobardi & Rita Migliore.

Visitation is scheduled from 3-8 p.m. Thursday at the Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights (capacity limits, PPE requirement, and social distancing in effect). Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Friday, at St. James Catholic Church (also with capacity limits and PPE, and social distancing), 831 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Due to guidelines limiting the number of guests, those wishing to support the family are encouraged to view the livestream of Longobardi's funeral by visiting his Tribute Wall at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com at 10 a.m. Friday.

Interment will be at St. Mary Parish Cemetery in Buffalo Grove. In lieu of flowers memorials, donations may be given to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org. Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.