John Ronald DeLong

John Ronald DeLong 81, died December 19, 2013 in Arizona after a long illness. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to James and Alma DeLong. He married his South High sweetheart, Barbara Merrihew. John graduated from Michigan State University. His career with Merrill Lynch took him around the country to Wall Street, Utah, Nevada, and California, where he managed offices, culminating as a Senior Vice President. John was a man of high character and integrity. He was active in his church and his community. He was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church and sang as a tenor in many choirs. He loved choral and classical music and could play tunes on the piano by ear. John served on the Board of Directors of the Sacramento and Salt Lake City Symphonies. He was a member of the Boy Scout's Executive Committee for 21 years (receiving a Silver Beaver Award) and was active with Junior Achievement and the Sacramento Foundation. John was an avid competitor and loved nearly all sports. He liked nothing better than a good card game with friends. He had a lively sense of humor. He also had a passion for travel, and toured the world with Barbara. Survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Barbara, and by five children, Scott (Marlena) DeLong, Denise (Darrell) Playford, Gregory (Judith) DeLong, Carolyn DeLong, Christine (Douglas) Baer, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his parents and both siblings, James DeLong Jr. and Barbara Jones. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2450 E. Ft. Lowell, in Tucson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation or Northminster Presbyterian Church.