Larry Luther LONG

1941 - 2016

LONG, Larry Luther Age 75 of Fairborn, passed peacefully from this world on Saturday September 17th, 2016 surrounded by loved ones after his body succumbed to a sudden and unexpected illness. At seventy-five years old he was as sound of mind, quick witted and strong willed as ever. He was born August 17th, 1941 in Mount Vernon, Ohio, the son of the late Patrick and Loma (Hoovler) Long. In 1971, after the passing of his father Pat, Larry took the reins of the family's dry cleaning establishment located on West Main Street in Fairborn. It was there that he became a pillar of the Fairborn community. He successfully grew the single shop operation into the multi-outlet enterprise that today, serves many people across the Miami Valley and beyond. Larry's business acumen, along with his impeccable integrity and unwavering standards are the key elements to his success in the industry. While he was a man who held those around them to high expectations, encouraging them to be their best selves, he was an incredibly generous and kind-hearted spirit. Throughout his life, Larry was bestowed many honors and accolades in addition to achieving countless hard earned awards. He served as Owner and President of Long Cleaners, Inc. As a Web-Re-Stor licensee, the company specialized in the cleaning, preservation and restoration of wedding and heirloom gowns. He served on the board and as president of several dry cleaning associations, including The Miami Valley Cleaners Guild, The Ohio Cleaners Association and The National Cleaners Association. In 1998 he was a recipient of The National Clean Award. In his community he served on the Board of Directors for The Fairborn Area Chamber of Commerce and was later elected president in 1986. It was this year that he made an indelible impact on the future of The Fairborn Chamber of Commerce by creating The Ambassador Club. The creation of this club has since made an incredible impact on growth of the City of Fairborn. In 1999, Larry threw his hat in the ring for the mayoral election. He was unanimously elected Mayor of Fairborn by the city he loved for a 2 year term. In 2000 he was presented with the Chamber's most coveted award, The Civic Excellence Award. This award not only recognized his contributions to the Chamber, but to the community as a whole. Larry also served as YMCA Board Chair, A Paul Harris Rotarian and a charter member of The Miami Valley Military Affairs Associations. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his loving wife of 28 years, Carol Long, two sisters Jane Scott and Ruth Ann Kennedy, and his brilliantly beautiful daughter Laura Kay Riley. He is survived by two children, Richard (Missy) Long, Polly (Tim) Smith; two step-children, Tom (Colleen) Perry, Amanda Lynch; grandchildren, Tara, Lane, Megan, TJ; step-grandchildren, Brandon, Marissa, Merah, Brayden; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Summer, Sopheya, Kale, Krue & Lyla; step-great-grandchildren, Mila; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and very close friends. The family will receive friends on Thursday September 22nd, 2016 from 6:00 P.M.-8:00P.M. in the Belton-Stroup Funeral Home located at 422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road., Fairborn. Funeral services will be held at the same location the following morning, Friday September 23rd, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. Burial will follow in the Fairfield Cemetery located at 720 Clover St, Fairborn, OH 45324. Guests will be invited to a gathering immediately following services, details will be announced at the service. Memorial Contributions, if desired, may be made to Hospice of Dayton. Condolences may be made to the family at www.BeltonStroup.com