Robert L. Long (Bob), 87, of Cornwall, passed away peacefully on Oct 15, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Long, son of Henry and Mary Long, grew up in Cleona, PA, the town founded by his great-great-grandfather John H. Long.

His love of travel inspired him to set off across the US and Canada to explore new areas. Shortly after his travels, he met the love of his life and married Shirley Crawford in Jan of 1959.

During Bob’s army career, he was stationed at Fort Hood near Killeen, Texas. He was an expert sharpshooter and part of the Military Police (MP), where he proudly served his country. After the military. Bob returned home to the family business, the “Palmyra Lumber Yard,” to collaborate with his dad, uncle, and grandfather. Shortly after the sale of the business, he worked at the Hershey Medical Center in security, utilizing his experience as an MP in the military. He retired from the Hershey Medical Center after 27 years.

Bob’s love of baseball sprung from his playing at an early age that expanded into coaching. You could find him in Bradenton, Florida, every year, watching the Dodgers and Pirates play during spring training. He also enjoyed singing, as both he and his wife sang in the choir at their home church Immanuel United Methodist Church in Cleona, as well as the choir at Cornwall Manor.

Bob was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Happily married for over 55 years to Shirley Long. They enjoyed their time restoring an 1827 farmhouse and together collaborated on a book, “The History of Cleona,” which documented the role the founders played in the inception of the town. As a member of the Green Hill Racquet Club, Bob enjoyed playing tennis and watching tennis matches on the clay courts his father built. As an avid woodworker, he enjoyed exhibiting his barnboard pictures with his wife’s paintings on the art show circuit.

He was actively involved in his grandkids’ lives. Bob attended their sporting events, baseball, soccer, field hockey, and basketball. He enjoyed their musicals, theatrical events, and chorus and orchestra recitals. He and his wife hosted magical holidays at their farm, day trips with the kids, and multiple sleep-overs creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Bob’s life was lived with tremendous integrity, a strong work ethic, and his love of God, and family. He set an exemplary example of what marriage is with his love, dedication, and devotion to his wife. He will be known for his dry sense of humor and kind heart.

Bob is survived by his son Chris and Kelly Long, and daughter Andrea “Andy” Long. His legacy lives on through his grandsons and granddaughters, Collin and fiancé Taylor, Kaylor, Karina, and Camryn Long.

A public visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 20th, 2022, at Zerr Chapel, 1 Boyd St. Cornwall, PA 17016. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Gingrich Mennonite Cemetery, with a celebration of life meal following the interment at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Cleona.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Immanuel United Methodist Church, 29 E. Maple Street, Cleona, PA 17042.