Harvey Long

White Lake, NY

Harvey Long, a retired construction worker, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2008 in Connecticut with his loving family by his side. He was 73 years of age.

He was born on July 4, 1935 to the late Palmer and Ann Crawford Long in Valdesta, GA.

He was an active union man. He was a member of Local 147 in New York City and Local 17 in New Windsor, NY and Washington DC. He was an active member of the NY Roller Derby team and he also enlisted in the Army Reserve. In 1954, he was a featured article in Ebony Magazine, known as the King of the profession being "Light on his feet." He worked on national campaign for Geraldine Ferrara and played basketball for Monticello Village League. Harvey also enjoyed volunteerism.

His Motto: "I pass through this world but once. If there is any good I can do, and kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it for I shall not pass this way again."

Harvey married Helen German on Oct. 11, 1958; love at first sight in Monticello, NY. Their union produced three daughters. He was a construction worker, believed in working hard and enjoyed retirement with his wife, spending time with his children and adored his grandchildren. He was a compassionate, sharing, caring, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and mentor to all. He enjoyed hats and if it fits wear it! A stranger described him and said "Look for a man that is wearing a hat. His grandchildren will follow the lead." Above all, Harvey, he whispered in servitude and would help everyone. He was a faithful member of the Kings Chapel Mission in the 70's and he helped build the chapel one building block at a time. He also enjoyed traveling to his extended church family, Beulah Heights Church in New Haven, CT.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Long at home; two devoted daughters, Mrs. Regina Childers and her husband, Ernest Childers of Wallingford, CT and Dr. Sylvia Long-Simmons and her husband, Patrick Simmons of Sierra Vista, AZ; his grandchildren, Bryan, Christopher, Beslen, Tre and Harry; nephews and nieces, Arthur, Robert, Ronald, Josephine, Gaye, Mildred and Celeste. He is also survived by several other nieces and nephews and extended family members. He was predeceased by a daughter, Celeste Long and a sister, Dorothy Chavis.

Visitation will be held today, Friday, July 25 at Ramsay's Funeral Home, 55 Saint John St., Monticello from 7-9 PM. Funeral services will be on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 11 AM at the Kings Chapel Mission, 15 Spring St., Monticello. Bishop Leon Williams will be officiating.

Burial will be in Rock Ridge Cemetery, Monticello, NY.

Funeral arrangements by Ramsay's Funeral Homes, Inc., Monticello, NY.