Eugene DeLong

Eugene "Gene" D. DeLong Queensbury - Eugene "Gene" Dexter DeLong passed away at 88 from chronic cardiac conditions on Friday, May 10, 2024, in his apartment at The Terrace at The Glen at Highland Meadows in Queensbury with his loving family by his side.
Gene was proud to live in Schenectady his entire life, born at Ellis Hospital on November 26, 1935, attending Woodlawn Elementary School and in 1953 graduating from Mont Pleasant High School. He met his wife, Judith Ann Birt at St. George's Episcopal Church in the Stockade where they attended the youth group together with other friends and family. Gene was very active at St George's where he sang in the Boys Choir from the age of 5, he served as an acolyte as a young man, and in adulthood sang in the Men and Boys Choir as well as trained acolytes, including training a few boys who would go on to become clergy.
Gene was the only child of the late Louis Henry DeLong and Ann DeLong, née Dexter, both of 85 Wilson Ave in Schenectady. Following in his father's footsteps, Gene attended Union College before marrying Judith on February 23, 1957 at St. George's Episcopal Church. They remained active in the church enjoying many long relationships and annual events. Gene and Judy celebrated 67 years of marriage and adventure.
Gene worked for the New York State Department of Transportation throughout his adulthood, most interestingly as Project Engineer for the sequential portions of the Adirondack Northway as it was being constructed between Rexford and Plattsburg. It was during these years, Gene and Judy rented lakeside cottages for each summer season and he enjoyed teaching his two daughters, Terry Lynn and Susan Lea, to swim, fish, canoe, and sail on Brant Lake, Schroon Lake, and Paradox Lake. In 1967 one of his projects was recognized by First Lady Ladybird Johnson as "America's Most Scenic Highway."
Gene entered the Air National Guard as a newlywed and served faithfully for 35 years, at the 109th Civil Engineering Squadron of the Air National Guard Base located at Schenectady County Airport, now known as Stratton. His closest friends served there, and many became marksmen, a shared interest. Target practice was every Tuesday night with the Pistol Team, and for years they traveled for competitive matches, winning awards at many of these events.
Gene's happiest times were spent with Judy. He delighted in keeping everything in their home in top condition, enjoying using his impressive collection of tools. Gene remodeled Judy's kitchen multiple times in their home at 1 Yolanda Drive, Burnt Hills, and it was always to her delight. They lived there for 49 years enjoying entertaining and hosting gourmet meals for family and friends. Gene and Judy got away often, traveling together for more than thirty years in their camper or RV, wintering in Florida and especially enjoying National Parks across the country. In his elder years Gene proudly displayed photos of these adventures and a map of the USA marked their destinations, which would spark many stories told.
In addition to his wife of 67 years, Judy, Gene is survived by his daughters: Terry who is married to The Rev. Canon John Bassett, and Susan who is married to Richard Duquette; four grandchildren: Rachel Lynn Tremblay, Catherine Heather who is married to George Kuubetesuri, Laura Anne who is married to Sajan Dogra, and Erik Quinn Reilly; as well as two great-grandchildren: Abigail Lynn Norsworthy and Raghav Elie Dogra.
The Reverend Thomas J. Pettigrew will officiate at a Christian Service of the Burial of the Dead on Wednesday morning, May 15, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. George's Episcopal Church in the Stockade, 30 N. Ferry Street, Schenectady, NY 12305. A calling hour will begin at 10 a.m. just prior to the service where all friends and family are invited to gather together.
Interment with military honors will be bestowed at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, immediately following the funeral at the church.
Gene's family would like to acknowledge the tireless, generous and kind care that was given to Gene and Judy by the staff, especially by Bonnie Hays and her entire care staff team at The Terrace at The Glen at Highland Meadows in Queensbury. Memorial contributions may be made to St. George's Episcopal Church in the Stockade, 30 North Ferry Street, Schenectady, NY 12305; to High Peaks Hospice, 1247 Glen St, Glens Falls, NY 12839; or to SAIL (Southern Adirondack Independent Living), 71 Glenwood Ave, Queensbury, NY 12804.
Arrangements are entrusted to Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville and for online condolences, please visit glenvillefuneralhome.com.