Spc. Ryan P. Long

Spc. Ryan P. Long

Ryan P. Long Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 28, 2005.
Army Spc. Ryan P. Long was a fourth-generation soldier. He joined the Army after graduating in 1999 from Seaford (Del.) High School, where he was active in the Junior ROTC. He was deployed twice to Afghanistan. Long, 21, of Seaford, Del., was killed April 3 when a car exploded at a checkpoint. His mother, Donna Long, described her son as a competitive soccer player who also loved snowboarding and water sports. "The most remarkable thing about Ryan," she said, "was that he lived life to the fullest. Everything that he did, he gave 110 percent. He was very good, very generous, very kind."

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Sign Ryan P. Long's Guest Book

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May 27, 2024

Al Ingalls posted to the memorial.

April 4, 2018

Gary and Elvira Delaplane posted to the memorial.

April 3, 2018

Brian Gresback posted to the memorial.

Al Ingalls

May 27, 2024

On this Memorial Day, May 27, 2024, as I’ve done on many Memorial Days over the past several year, I sound Taps at 3p as part of a group called Taps for Veterans. While I do this to honor those who gave all, I especially remember Ryan. He graduated HS with my oldest daughter and played soccer with my son. I had the pleasure of being an assistant coach of his rec soccer team for a year or two.

Gary and Elvira Delaplane

April 4, 2018

Ryan, we think of you often and can't believe that it has been 15 years since your death. Our heartfelt condolences to your mother and brother who must miss you every day.

Brian Gresback

April 3, 2018

SPC Ryan P. Long,

On this, the 15th anniversary of your passing, you will never be forgotten.
You are, and forever will be known as an American Hero, Patriot, and Warrior.
I wear your bracelet everyday as an honor and tribute to you.

Jackie Soriano

May 29, 2017

Always in our hearts and mind. God speed.

Charlie Gili

January 11, 2015

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Long Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to troops in Afghanistan this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Ryan P. Long US Army Specialist. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Marie Boyle

July 30, 2013

I graduated with Ryan and it was an honor to have known him. Ryan was a very caring person and I will always remember him. Ryan has served our country well and made the ultimate sacrifice and he will never be forgotten, he will live on in our hearts. To his family, I am truly sorry about your loss.

October 28, 2012

I express eternal gratitude to Spc. Ryan Long.

Thomas Jefferson

May 28, 2012

Semper Fi Ryan, Thanks again for your service and sacrifice. You will never be forgotten Brother.

Jon Haley

May 29, 2011

Mr and Mrs Long,
On a hot April day in Seaford, I was driving to pick up a customer for the company I worked for. It was visable from a distance that he church was holding a military funeral. I exited my car and ettended my first of many OIF funerals.
Everyday (minus the day I had shoulder surgery) for the last 8 years I have worn on my right wrist a KIA braclet remembering your son. It has made the trip to Iraq 3 times with me.
I would be honored if I can gives this to you as a piece of Ryan that has been a special part of me. This bracelet has come back, Ryan's name has returned several times.

Gary & Elvira Delaplane

April 5, 2011

Dear Donna, We think of Ryan constantly and cannot believe that has been eight years since his death. Our hearts and prayers are with you. He was such an awesome young man and continues to live in the hearts of those who knew him. Our Love.

Ginger Mankowski

April 3, 2011

To the family and friends of Spc. Ryan P. Long:
Please accept our remembrance of Ryan on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Ginger Mankowski/Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Shelly Cresssell

August 21, 2010

Even though I did not know Ryan..I wear a bracelet with his name, rank, DOB and DOD...Thank you Ryan ..You gave your all and I know you are with Jesus because, you gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom..All My Love to your Family...

Peggy Childers

April 3, 2010

To the family and friends of Spc. Ryan P. Long:
Remembering Ryan on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Kenna

March 23, 2010

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,100 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always CARE.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
[email protected]

Lynn Fannin

September 23, 2009

I graduated with Ryan and was we get ready to have our 10 year reunion, I find myself thinking about him a lot. I am proud that I am able to say that I knew him and he will always be in my heart. My husband is currently serving in Iraq. Ryan sacrificed everything for our freedom, and I will never forget him.

May 24, 2009

To let your family know, you are not forgotten this Memorial day

Lidia Smith

May 3, 2009

Dear Donna and Matthew Long,
It is with great pleasure and honor that St. George's UMC in Frankford, De will dedicate this year our Armed Forces Memorial Day Service to Delawares' young men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 6:30pm. Your son will be amongst the many that we will honor.

Gary and Elvira Delaplane

April 4, 2009

To Donna and Matthew,
We think of Ryan constantly. It seems surreal that Ryan gave his life six years ago. Our hearts break for the losses in your lives.

Peggy Childers

April 3, 2009

To the family of Spc. Ryan P. Long:
Ryan gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Garnet Jenkins

November 3, 2008

~TELL THEM OF US AND SAY...
FOR THEIR TOMORROWS...
WE GAVE OUR TODAY.~
I am the sister of a young Hero,with the 75th Ranger Regiment...Killed in action in Vietnam.

R Collis

July 16, 2008

It is difficult to know what to say since I want to express my sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Spc Long. Please know that your loved one is not forgotten. I wish everyone impacted by this tragic loss strength and peace. I hope that Spc Long knew that there are people in America who respect his great courage in serving as a member of the US military. Although I did not know him, I know that he must have been a very special person to be willing to do something that most Americans will never experience and for that we can never say thank you enough.
Thank you Spc Long!

T Moudy

May 17, 2008

May God lift your heart from sorrow as you remember the gift Ryan gave to help others gain their freedom!

From the Gold Star Mother of another Delaware "Iraqi Freedom" Hero (KIA Baghdad, Iraq 12/11/05

The Neal family

April 20, 2008

To the Long family,
Please know that just as your loved one will forever remain in your hearts and minds, his sacrifice and that of your family, remains with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God grant you the peace that passes all understanding.

Betty Frye

April 5, 2008

My deepest condolences to the family.May God comfort you in this time of indescribable pain and grief. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Gary and Elvira Delaplane

April 4, 2008

Dear Rudy and Donna Long,

Five years ago, we were driving to Delaware to grieve with you the death of this very special young man. Ryan was like another son to us and we will always be so very grateful for the blessing that he was in our son Nathan's life. Our hearts break that he is no longer with you, but we are so proud to have known him.

God Bless,

~*Home*~

Debra Estep

April 3, 2008

To the family and friends of Ryan.
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers today.

May God and His Angels surround you and bring you comfort.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”

I did not know Ryan, but he is my hero.
If you would like a copy of the Angel picture I posted here, please email me and I'll email it back to you.

xo xo
Deb
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
www.remembering-the-fallen.blogspot.com

November 14, 2007

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Spc Long!

Gary & Elvira Delaplane

September 3, 2007

Dear Donna and Rudy,
There isn't a week that passes that we don't think of Ryan and the blessing of sharing a meal with him before his deployment. Although you know that we would never assume that we know the pain of his loss, we can identify with the hole in your heart that his death left in you. Ryan left such a wonderful legacy with so many people ... especially with us through how valuable Ryan's friendship was in our son's life. God Bless.

August 1, 2007

If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised LE RON A. WILSON (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

July 5, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Spc Long and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

Linda Flannery

June 2, 2007

To the family and friends of Ryan Long, I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Ryan, but i have worn his memory bracelet now for 2 years. Ryan will never be forgotten, his memory lives on in all of our hearts. May time heal your wounds and know that all of America shares in your sorrow and in your pride. My 2 sons served in the Marines, and my husband was an Army Ranger in VietNam, K/75 Ranger regiment.

Garnet Jenkins

April 2, 2007

It is an honor to pay tribute to Spc. Ryan P. Long, with a Multitude of Thanks, for this Brave Young Soldier's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.

May Ryan Rest Safely, in God's Loving Care and may the Peace of God continue to be with the Long family.
Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-
from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth."
~ Psalm 121:1-2 ~

I am sincerely hoping that you continue to feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you each day, as this Country Remembers Someone Very Precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your loss.

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

March 14, 2006

My heartfelt sympathy to the Long family in the loss of Ryan. I did not know Ryan, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers.Ryan next month it will be 3 years since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.

I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.

Love and Peace

Tom



To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

J POTTS

November 11, 2005

On this Veterans’ Day, I wish to offer my sympathy for the loss

Of this brave man.

Deb Kavanaugh

September 7, 2005

To the Long family,



My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family as your greive the loss of this young man from your family.



From a ranger mom

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Not sure what to say?

May 27, 2024

Al Ingalls posted to the memorial.

April 4, 2018

Gary and Elvira Delaplane posted to the memorial.

April 3, 2018

Brian Gresback posted to the memorial.