Obituary of Frank Long

Frank Long, passed away at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington on Saturday, April 17, 2010. He was 89 years old. Frank was born in Saltsburg, Austria, the son of the late Frank and Gisela Long. His family emigrated from Austria when Frank was 10 years old and settled in New York City. After high school he worked several years as a machinist at the Columbia Machine Works in Brooklyn New York. He enlisted in the Navy in October of 1942 to fight in WW II. He served on the Destroyer USS CONY and the Cruiser USS Baltimore. He served as a Machinist Mate Third Class and saw extensive action. He received the Philippine Liberation Medal with 1 Bronze Star and the Asiatic Pacific Theater Medal with 5 Bronze Stars. He was very proud of his service to his country during the war. Frank worked as a service technician for Commonwealth Gas for 32 years. Frank was not afraid of hard work. He also co-owned a heating repair business with his long time friend Louis Reale. During his retirement years, he spent his time working with his son, Michael, building homes on Cape Cod. He could fix almost anything. Frank’s biggest trait was that he was and outgoing and warm person. You just couldn’t help but like him. He made friends where ever he went. He respected others, was truly interested in what you were doing, and treasured your friendship. He met friends at worksites, doing errands, or just sitting at a Dunkin Donuts drinking his black coffee and having his traditional jelly cruller donut. The world would be a better place if we all could have Frank’s positive attitude and warm outgoing personality. Franks was a huge sports fan. He was a longtime season ticket owner to the Patriots. He was an encyclopedia of sports trivia. All his family loved watching the Patriots or Monday Night Football games with him. He was a member of bowling league with his friends for a number of years. He was extremely proud of his sons and their achievements. He appreciated the time spent with family and friends and he will be greatly missed. Frank was the beloved husband of June (O’Connor) Long. He was the proud father of Frank & his wife Grace of Salt Lake City, UT, Michael & his wife Donna of Cummaquid, David & his wife Karen of Stoneham, and Robert & his wife Stacy of Holiday, UT. He was predeceased by his sister, Anna Oswald. He was also survived by 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at the Massachusetts National Veteran’s Cemetery in Bourne on Thursday, April 22 at 11:15 a.m. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m.