Obituary: Walter Long

Walter Long, 90, of Longboat Key, died March 23.

Born April 8, 1923, in the Bronx, N.Y., Mr. Long was raised on a dairy farm near Rhinebeck, N.Y. After graduating from high school, he ventured to Panama and found work in the Canal Zone. Later, having had enough of the tropics, Mr. Long was on his way to Alaska when he met his wife, Jeanne. He didn’t get past New York City.

Mr. Long was a successful businessman who founded and sold several light-manufacturing firms. He settled his family first in Long Island, N.Y., and later moved them to Connecticut and, finally, to Longboat Key. 

He was an active retiree and enjoyed bowling, the Moose Lodge and being involved in his church.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Jeanne.

Mr. Long is survived by sons, Timothy and Christopher; sister, Pat; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. May 13, at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive.