Obituary for John Paul Long

John Paul Long, 85, of Westerville passed away at home Monday, Dec. 7 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s.

He was Born on October 9, 1935 in Washington, Pa. to John R. and Ruth (Ford) Long. He graduated from Washington High School and Wittenberg University, playing football for both schools. After college he went into sales, working for Robbins & Myers, Nayadic Sciences and Pacer Pumps before starting his own business in Westerville. He raised his family in Philadelphia, where he excelled as a slo-pitch softball player and coached his kids in baseball and basketball. Sports was a lifelong passion, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates and the Wittenberg Tigers. He loved rock ‘n’ roll, especially Fats Domino and Jerry Lee Lewis. Except for a sojourn in California he was a longtime member of St. Paul the Apostle Church. He was honest as the day is long, a role model for his many friends and entire family. A thoroughly good man, of him it can be truly said that no matter what, he always did the right thing. He was a 40-year member of the Shamrock Club, marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade every year with the Tophatters, and later joined the ROMEOs Club.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Susie (Wilcoxon), who was right by his side to the very end; son Jeff (Katy Delaney); son Greg (Sabrina); daughter Hilary (Jeff) Beard. He was preceded in death by daughter Stephanie. Also survived by grandsons John (Bree), Jeremy (Brittany), Tyler, Ryan and Daniel and step-grandson John Shellenberg.  and granddaughters Erin and Brynna as well as great-grandchildren Maria and Adam.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 14 at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Westerville and will be lived streamed.. He will be buried next to his daughter, Stephanie, in Springfield, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, buy a Christmas toy for a child in need.