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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Robert Long Sr.

Robert Paul Long, age 82, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully at Christiana Hospital on December 1, 2022, after succumbing to pulmonary fibrosis. Born in Wilmington, Delaware in July of 1940, Bobby enjoyed traveling, socializing with friends, and spending time with family. Bobby graduated from Brown Vocational High School and was a member of the Delaware Air National Guard, as well as the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.

Bobby founded Healy & Long Concrete Contractors in 1977 with Jack Healy and had a long, successful career as President of the company, building landmark structures throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. After retiring, Bobby especially enjoyed traveling to his favorite beaches, including Rehoboth Beach, Naples, and the Isle of Jersey.

Bobby was known for his immense love of life, his kind and loving manner, and his tenderness to everyone he met, including and especially his dear friends and family. He also thought he was a gifted dancer and loved his music loud.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Emma and brothers, John Jr., Richard, and Frederick. He is survived by his loving wife for 29 years, Carole Shepherd Long, and was a devoted father and stepfather to Robert Long Jr., Michael Long, Jennifer Shepherd Cooper, and Christopher Shepherd and their spouses. “Potsie” was an unforgettable presence to his ten grandchildren, who brought him never-ending joy.

The family would like to express our special thanks to the wonderful nurses, doctors, and staff at Christiana Hospital, and to all the medical professionals that helped him throughout his life. The greatest gift Bobby left his family was teaching and living out the need to love a little harder, love unconditionally, give grace to others and be kind. We are blessed to have been left with these gifts to nourish and share with others. His life is not over. It will continue through each person he touched in a valuable way.

Funeral Services

Friends may visit with the family and pay their respects on Wednesday, December 7 from 5-7 pm at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 8 at 10 am at St. Joseph’s on the Brandywine Church, 10 Old Church Rd., Wilmington, with burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Beyond Celiac at beyondceliac.org in Bobby’s memory.

Condolences

    Maggie Brooks lit a candle and writes,
    Bobby will be remembered as a sweet man with a beautiful smile, having a kind and gentle soul, who spoke so lovingly of his family and who so enjoyed people. My husband Bill “Brooksy” Brooks, Sr passed June 2022 at age 98 and whenever Bobby and Bill saw each other, Bobby would always hug Bill and say “I love you, Billy”, then Bobby would hug me thanking me for taking care of his friend Bill, my love and care affording Bill longevity. Bobby was just a good good human being, very authentic. On behalf of my Bill’s memory and myself, our hearts go out to Carole and the family, sending you all a big hug of love. Bobby and Brooksy are in Heaven probably having a cocktail and yes the music is loud. God Bless you, Bobby Long, and may you Rest In Peace.
    12/03/2022 09:55 am
    Anthony Vari writes,
    Bob. One of my best friends . Spent 6 years together with him in Air. National Guards A laugh a minute with my friend Bob I enjoyed every minute with him Please. Rest in peace friend. You definitely will be missed by everyone that had the pleasure of meeting you Your good friend Tony Vari
    12/03/2022 06:26 pm
    Jacqueline Long lit a candle and writes,
    Uncle you were one in a million.I will surely miss you.Enjoyed everyone of your homes as if they were mine.I also loved our Sundays together after my dad passed.Just your large hands reminded me of his.That you were here if ever I needed you.
    12/04/2022 07:53 am
    Charla S. Bendinsky writes,
    I had the distinct pleasure of working for Bobbie at Healy and Long for many years. He was one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever met. Being around Bobbie every day was just a joy. He made our office a fun place to be but was a really good boss. He was so happy with Carole and it was good to see them together. My best wishes go out to her and the kids in their time of grief. Bobbie will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Charla Bendinsky
    12/04/2022 09:49 am
    Paula Carpenter Mutzel writes,
    Rest in Peace Bobby...you sure will be missed here on Earth.
    12/04/2022 01:07 pm
    Andrea and Tony Rogers lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Carole, We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We always enjoyed spending time with you and Bobby, both here and in Florida. No one could ask for better neighbors who quickly became our wonderful friends. Be assured that we will always remember Bobby with great fondness and big smiles. His humor was truly a gift, his laughter was infectious, and his smile lit up whatever room he entered (even in church!). He will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. We hope that your happy memories of your life together with Bobby, and knowing that others care, will bring you some peace and comfort at such a sad time. XOXO Andrea and Tony
    12/04/2022 03:25 pm
    Karen (Long) Brumbaugh writes,
    My dear Uncle Bob will be missed so very much. He was a true inspiration to me for so many years. I am so happy to have been so close to him throughout my life. We spoke on the phone very often and our conversations always ended with an "I Love You". He was always so kind and generous to me and I will never forget that. I so enjoyed spending time with him as his presence was always fun, cheerful and uplifting. His ever-positive attitude and spirit were truly amazing. My heart breaks for Carole, Bobby and Michael (and their families). Uncle Bob, you will be forever in my heart.
    12/05/2022 10:41 am
    Amy Rydlewski lit a candle and writes,
    I started at Healy & Long in 1997, Mr. Long (I will always call him that) was one of my bosses. He treated me with kindness and patience as I literally knew nothing of working in an office environment. I love him like family and will miss hearing his voice when he would call in. I'm glad I got to talk to him one last time a couple of weeks ago. Sending love and comfort to the family during this difficult time.
    12/05/2022 12:02 pm
    Mary Locke (Long) lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Carole, Bobby and Michael I am so very sorry for your loss. Uncle Bob was ONE of a kind, growing up I watched him with such amazement and was in awe of everything he set out to do in life, from the themed parties in Cooper Farms house, starting his own business and building one of his homes. Remembering his pride of becoming a dad for the first and second time. I’m so proud to have been your goddaughter but mostly proud to have you as my Uncle. You’ll never be forgotten until we meet again Love you to the moon and back
    12/05/2022 03:55 pm
    GUY DeBonaventura writes,
    My deepest sympathy to you, Michael, Bobby and Carol. I only met him recently in the Hospital and I must say he was quite a man. So VERY sorry for your loss and so VERY sudden. Guy
    12/05/2022 10:30 pm
    Suzanne Chinn lit a candle and writes,
    Bobby brought such joy to our family, He was one of a kind and we will always treasure the memories we have of our times with him. Rest Peacefully. Xxx
    12/06/2022 09:19 am
    Diana writes,
    I work for a dr that Mr. Long came to. He was always pleasant to talk to and I enjoyed our conversations. Every time he came to our office, I would decorate his ID bracelet and he would laugh. He always told me it makes his day. I am very sad to hear of his passing. I will miss seeing his smiling face as he comes to my office window. May he rest in peace and fly with the Angels.
    12/06/2022 02:12 pm
    Heather Skelly lit a candle and writes,
    “Do not stand By my grave, and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep— I am the thousand winds that blow I am the diamond glints in snow I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle, autumn rain. As you awake with morning’s hush, I am the swift, up-flinging rush Of quiet birds in circling flight, I am the day transcending night. Do not stand By my grave, and cry— I am not there, I did not die.” Bobby I hope you have soared to the stars and beyond. Space is the only place fitting of your magnitude. You will be missed.
    12/07/2022 10:17 am
    Tony Chinn lit a candle and writes,
    Having Bobby Long as a friend was a gift, an experience and now a memory of an inspirational person who brought happiness to all who knew him, The Chinn family on the Isle of Jersey send their very sincere condolences .May Bobby now rest in peace
    12/08/2022 06:05 am
    George Rassas writes,
    Our condolences to the Long family on your loss. We will keep you in our prayers during this difficult time.
    12/08/2022 02:54 pm
    Kate Baker Frawley lit a candle and writes,
    Love you Ripple! Love to all his family and friends!
    12/15/2022 07:41 am
    Amanda Raman lit a candle and writes,
    We were so saddened to learn of Bobby’s passing. We were lucky to get to know Bobby and Carole when we visited our dad, Dan Brooks, who was their next door neighbor for several years. Bobby always had a good story for us, a treat for our dog and kind words for our son. We are thinking of you, Carole, and hope your memories bring comfort in this difficult time.
    12/17/2022 11:50 pm

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