John E. “Big John” Long, 65, of Lebanon, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at home with family by his side following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born to Earl and Adalaine Long in England, where his father was stationed in the Air Force. John graduated from Northern Lebanon High School and served in the Air Force. He retired from PennDOT. His greatest passion was entrepreneurship. John owned and operated Center Lines for several years and was a former real estate agent/broker and commercial property owner. What he loved the most was owning and operating John’s Gym for 25 years, competing in powerlifting competitions and training others. He closed the gym in 2010 to devote more time to his family.
John has always said that his greatest accomplishments were his children, Mitchell and Alexis, and building his home with his wife. John spent countless hours practicing baseball with Mitch, coaching his youth league team to the championship, and traveling near and far to support both Mitch and Lexi playing high school, travel ball, and college ball.
John is survived by his wife, Michele; son, Mitchell; daughter, Alexis; sisters, Beverley (Paul) Yost, Suzie (Dave) Wenrich, and Julie (Steve) Schriver; brother, Earl (Michelle) Long; mother-in-law, Phyllis (Charles) Moyer; and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Douglas, and wife, Peggy Long; and father-in-law, James Thornton.
A public viewing will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 6-8 p.m., at Kreamer Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 618 E. Main St., Annville, PA 17003. An additional public viewing will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday. Interment with military honors will be held in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.
