AUG. 27, 1922-MAY 5, 2011
Richard M. Long, 88, formerly of Mealey Parkway in Hagerstown, Md., passed away Thursday, May 5, 2011, at the Village at Robinwood in Hagerstown.
Born Aug. 27, 1922, in Hagerstown, Richard (Dick) was the son of the late Albert M. Long and Edith C. (Ernst) Long, also of Hagerstown.
After graduating with honors from Hagerstown High School in 1939 at the tender age of 16, he went on to obtain his bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., in 1943. He worked from 1943 to 1944 as a chemist with Celanese Corporation of Cumberland, Md. In 1944, Richard entered the U.S. Navy, training at Princeton University and Fort Pierce, Fla., as an ensign. He spent two years on three LSTs in the Philippines, Japan and China theaters during and after World War II. He ended his military career as captain of LST 230 and came out in 1946 as Lt. j.g. Richard, then worked as a chemist for Solvay Process Co. of Syracuse, N.Y. for three years, during which time he received his MBA in sales management at Syracuse University, graduating in 1950. Upon his graduation, he joined his father in the office equipment business and shortly thereafter took over the business of his father as owner/operator of Long's Business Equipment here in Hagerstown for 37 years, retiring in 1987.
He worked for the Board of Elections supervisors, and was instrumental in introducing voting machines to Washington County, assisting with their maintenance and preparation for elections for 35 years.
He was an active member of the Hagerstown Church of the Brethren, served on the church board and the endowment committee, and sang in the church choir for 50 years. He was elected and served two consecutive four-year terms from 1987 to 1995 as a judge of the Orphans Court for Washington County. He was also a longtime member of the Hagerstown Exchange Club, Hagerstown Elks Lodge 378, Morris Frock American Legion Post 42, the United States L.S.T. Association and the Retired Officers Association. He also served on the board of Brethren Mutual Insurance Co., the board of Fahrney-Keedy Memorial Home, the board of the Hagerstown Union Rescue Mission, the Washington County Gaming Commission and the Washington County Plumbing Board. He remained active in the Traveler's Protective Agency, the Community Concert Association, the Christian Business Men's Committee, and Children's Village. As a member of the Hagerstown High School class of 1939, he also served on the reunion committee.
Dick was involved with many organizations, remained very active in his community and will be missed by many.
As an interesting historical note, Dick's great-great-grandfather was the Rev. David Long, who was the preacher at the Dunker Church on the Antietam Battlefield on Sept. 17, 1862. This day came to be known as the Battle of Antietam, and proved to be the bloodiest day of the Civil War.
He is survived by his sister, Margaret A. Marshall of Hellertown, Pa.; daughter, Diana J. Shepherd of Hagerstown; sons, Douglas R. Long of Falling Waters, W.Va., Daryl R. Long of Hagerstown, Edward S. Long of Germantown, Md., and Stuart M. Long of Hagerstown; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife of 17 years, Beatrice M. (Salisbury) Long, who passed away in 1965; and his second wife of 42 years, Sarah M. (Palmer) Long, who passed away in February 2011.
The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to Hospice of Washington County and also to Dr. Mary Money.
Services will be Saturday, May 14, 2011, at noon at Hagerstown Church of the Brethren at the corner of East Washington and South Mulberry streets in Hagerstown, with the Rev. Ed Poling officiating. Interment will immediately follow in Rest Haven Cemetery, Hagerstown.
The family will receive friends Saturday one hour before the service at the church.
Condolences may be sent to Diana Shepherd at 12912 Woodburn Drive, Hagerstown MD 21742.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Hagerstown Church of the Brethren, 15 S. Mulberry St., Hagerstown MD 21740.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home, 1331 Eastern Blvd. North, Hagerstown.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.douglasfiery.com.
