Robert “Bob” Harry Long, 85, of Lebanon, passed away on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, at his residence. He was the husband of the late Judi Ann (Allwein) Long.
Born in Lebanon, PA, on March 27, 1940, Bob was the son of the late Harry E. and Stella M. (Gassert) Long. He was one of three siblings: sister, Lorraine Long, wife of Bob Long, and brother, Terry Long, husband of Barbara Long.
Bob was a graduate of Lebanon High School, Class of 1958, and remained a resident of the area his entire life. He met his wife, Judi, through friends. Even though one of Judi’s friends was initially interested in him, he managed to shift the course of events and begin a relationship with Judi, later recalling that after dances, he would always make sure to drop her off last. In 1963, he married the love of his life, and together they raised four sons.
Most of his professional career was spent at Lebanon Steel Foundry in Lebanon, PA, where he worked as a melter. It was hard work under demanding conditions: thunderous sounds of graphite electrodes arcing electricity to heat the metal, followed by waves of intense heat and dense air. He mastered the delicate task of getting the metal “cook” just right, blending materials to meet each specific application. His family often remembered that they could tell when he was home from the lingering smell on his clothes — a mix of smoke, hot metal, machine oil, and dust that unmistakably announced Dad’s return. He deeply cherished his relationships with his co-workers. At home, he often began conversations with someone’s name, only to be asked who that person was, to which he invariably replied with his trademark answer: “a guy from the foundry.”
Later, Bob became a truck driver for JP Donmoyer, hauling limestone from the Lebanon quarry to facilities in New Jersey and New York. At home in the evenings, he was often seen reviewing his logbook while unwinding with a television show. He was proud to receive his One Million Mile certificate, recognizing one million miles of safe, professional driving.
Outside of work and family, Bob loved camping, bowling, dancing, riding his Harley, and attending shows. He and Judi began camping with their close friends, Donald and Sally Weise. Later, Judi’s extended family, Margaret (Allwein) and Harold Darcas, along with Charlotte and Donald Stoudt, joined in. He was an active member of the Hi-Lo Hobo camping club, where he and his wife enjoyed countless weekend outings filled with laughter and a bit of good-natured mischief among the tri-state club members. These times brought them great happiness.
Close friends knew that Bob had once pursued a path to become an electrician until family responsibilities called him home to care for his mother. Soon after, he met Judi, the love of his life, and began their family. He filled their home with laughter, joy, discipline, and the clever — sometimes corny — “Dad jokes” that became his signature at every gathering.
Bob was a good man, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a loyal friend. He cared for his wife until her passing, honoring her wish never to be placed in a home. To his co-workers, neighbors, family, and friends, he was “Bobby,” a buddy, someone they wanted to spend time with, laugh with, and share life with. He will be sadly missed, but his smile, his “Dad jokes,” and his trademark shoulder-shrugging laugh will always remain in the hearts of his family.
Bob is survived by his children, Scott Long, Kenneth Long, and wife, Vickie, Kerry Long Sr., and wife, Bonnie, and Timothy Long, and companion, Gina Sanchez; grandchildren, Melissa Groff, and husband, Todd Lewis, Brandon Long, Kerry Long Jr., and wife, Ruth, Travis Long, and Maxwell Long, and wife, Hunter; and great-grandchildren, Michael, Makenzie, Greyson, Jaxon, Clayton, and Lakelynn.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at St. Cecelia’s Church. 120 E. Lehman St., Lebanon, PA 17046. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. A viewing will be held prior to mass from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Robert’s memory to Homeland Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Thompson Funeral Home Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family welcomes your memories and messages in Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at www.thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.
