Celebrating the life of
Ronald Eugene Long
December 22, 1928 - October 26, 2016
Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) United States Air Force Retired
Ronald E. Long passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at Memorial Medical Center. He was born in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, December 22, 1928, to Charles F. Long and Mary Witmer Long. He graduated from Sunbury High School in 1946, attended Bloomsberg State College, and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1948. He retired after 30 years of USAF active duty, serving in various locations throughout the United States, including Alaska, and overseas in the Philippines, Korea, Okinawa, Vietnam, and Germany. For his service in Vietnam War, he was awarded the Bronze Star. After his retirement from the USAF, he worked for Service Merchandise, Brendles, and Budget Rental Cars. He was a member of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, American Legion Post 36, and the Catholic War Veterans Post 1943. He was a volunteer at the Social Apostolate and for the 1996 Olympics. He was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, where he served as a Eucharist Minister, participated in Bible Studies, and volunteered. In 2009 he was recognized by the Savannah Diocese for his parish contributions, when he was awarded the Gartland Award by Bishop Emeritus Kevin Boland.
He was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Jo Harte Long, and his six children: Mary Anne (Max) Schreiber of Savannah, Jean (Joe) Janufka of Savannah, Michael (Janet) Long of Gilbert, S.C., John (Debbie) Long of Columbia, S. C., Theresa (Don) Sullens of Savannah, and Edward (Julie) Long of Baxley, GA; his 13 grandchildren: Geoffrey Schreiber (Nicole), Scott Schreiber, Josh (Katie) Janufka, Matt Janufka, Carolyn Janufka, Katie (John) Nakeleski, Greg (Courtney) Sullens, Jennifer Sullens, Justin Long, Erin Brown Wingate, Tori Long, James Long, and Ronan Long. He also is survived by 5 great-grandchildren and several cousins.
Fr. Joseph Smith will officiate the services. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 28, 2016 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel with the Rosary at 6:30 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, October 29, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with interment following at the Magnolia Section of Catholic Cemetery with military honors. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Social Apostolate or Blessed Sacrament Church.
Condolences to Mr.Long's family and friends. I also thank him for his many years of service to our country and for the sacrifices he and his family made for our nation. When I saw this post of his passing it caught my eye because it could have been my father, who was also retired USAF with the same rank and years in service. He too served in Korea, World War Two, etc. My dad was a few years older than Mr. Long. All military men and women should be remembered for their dedication to our country. As a child, just like Mr. Long's six children, I lived the life as an "Air Force brat". The pride and respect for our country, our military and ourselves were taught to us from birth. The American flag was highly respected and honored. When removing from the flag poles it was not to touch the ground, but folded a precise way. Our way of life was as our forefather's intended it to be. It was a wonderful way of life with lessons that stay with us for forever. I'm sure the Long children remember the "white glove test". Whenever we moved out of base housing we would clean thoroughly, and I mean thoroughly because the home would be inspected. Dad always received the highest grade because we all had to clean and then dad would put on white gloves and go over everything even over the tops of door frames and those gloves had to remain white or the cleaning continued (good thing Dad's not inspecting my house now...lol). My father father passed away in Jan. 2000. I believe the good Lord taking my father, Mr. Long and other older military men and women is a blessing. They are in a place of total peace. They will no longer be subjected to the disrespect shown by many in our country toward our military personnel. The pain is for those of us left behind. Mr. Long will be remembered with love and pride. Once again my sincere condolences.
- Valerie lever, West Columbia, SC
My condolences to the Long Family on the passing of your loved one. My Jehovah God grant you his peace while you await his promise at John 5:28 [ to resurrect those who have been asleep in death] May fond memories of Ronald linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days ahead
- Henry, Lawrenceville , GA
Condolences to Mr.Long's family and friends. I also thank him for his many years of service to our country and for the sacrifices he and his family made for our nation. When I saw this post of his passing it caught my eye because it could have been my father, who was also retired USAF with the same rank and years in service. He too served in Korea, World War Two, etc. My dad was a few years older than Mr. Long. All military men and women should be remembered for their dedication to our country. As a child, just like Mr. Long's six children, I lived the life as an "Air Force brat". The pride and respect for our country, our military and ourselves were taught to us from birth. The American flag was highly respected and honored. When removing from the flag poles it was not to touch the ground, but folded a precise way. Our way of life was as our forefather's intended it to be. It was a wonderful way of life with lessons that stay with us for forever. I'm sure the Long children remember the "white glove test". Whenever we moved out of base housing we would clean thoroughly, and I mean thoroughly because the home would be inspected. Dad always received the highest grade because we all had to clean and then dad would put on white gloves and go over everything even over the tops of door frames and those gloves had to remain white or the cleaning continued (good thing Dad's not inspecting my house now...lol). My father father passed away in Jan. 2000. I believe the good Lord taking my father, Mr. Long and other older military men and women is a blessing. They are in a place of total peace. They will no longer be subjected to the disrespect shown by many in our country toward our military personnel. The pain is for those of us left behind. Mr. Long will be remembered with love and pride. Once again my sincere condolences.
- Valerie lever, West Columbia, SC
My condolences to the Long Family on the passing of your loved one. My Jehovah God grant you his peace while you await his promise at John 5:28 [ to resurrect those who have been asleep in death] May fond memories of Ronald linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days ahead
- Henry, Lawrenceville , GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
