This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
04/14/2023 11:01 AMCharles Richard “Dick” Long passed away peacefully in his home on April 4, at the age of 86, while he was surrounded by his loving family. Dick was born in Columbus, Indiana, on April 2, 1937, to the late Charles W. and Cora Nell Summa Long.
He graduated from Columbus High School in 1954 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served four years active duty. When he returned home, he attended classes at Franklin College in Franklin, Ind. In 1961, Dick returned to the Air Force Reserve, where he served at Bakalar Air Base in Columbus, Indiana, for five years as a flight engineer on C-119’s. This is where he met his wife of 56 years, Sandra “Sandy” Croddy (Long). After leaving the Air Force, he took a job with the Department of Defense (DOD), where he worked for 26 years, briefly in Evansville, Indiana, and then Lynchburg, Virginia, before being transferred to United Nuclear in Montville. Dick moved his family to Clinton in 1972, which he called home for 51 years.
Dick retired from the DOD in 1992, after proudly serving his country for 35 years, and began his next phase of life where he loved to travel and spend time with his grandchildren both in Connecticut and Indiana. Dick loved to share his stories about his days growing up in Indiana and his days in the Air Force with anyone who would listen. Dick was a life member of St. John’s Masonic Lodge #20 in Columbus, Indiana, and the VFW In Old Saybrook. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 113 in Old Saybrook and the Elks Lodge 1784 In Westbrook.
Dick is survived by his wife, Sandy, and his children, William Long of Columbus, Indiana, Kathleen (Scott) Ward of Old Saybrook, and James (Sandra) Long of Westbrook. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Denise (Tim) Sharpe, Crystal (Travis) Miller, Lyndsey (Ryan) Thoman, Frank (Tara) Serio III, Michelle Serio, Nicholas (Molly), Benjamin, and Jameson Long; 14 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many extended family members.
Our family would like to extend our thanks to the Hospice Unit and their entire staff for all the care and support they gave Dick. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick’s name may be made to the Middlesex Health Hospice Program at 21 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457.
Dick was predeceased by his parents; his brother Judge James W. Long of Columbus, Ind.; and his niece Pamela Sue Long of San Francisco, Calif.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on June 30 at the Westbrook Elks Lodge in Westbrook.