KEVIN MARTIN FURLONG

FURLONG, KEVIN MARTIN - of the Tellico Village community of Loudon, TN passed peacefully into God's arms on April 20, 2012, at home with his wife, Barbara. He died of complications of Alzheimer's disease. Kevin was born in Detroit, MI on November 23 1936 to William and Sarah Furlong. His parents were immigrants from Ireland and Scotland. Kevin truly epitomized the American dream. He was predeceased by his brothers, Daniel, William and Patrick Furlong. A sister, Catherine Stanley, survives him. Kevin is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Barbara. Also survived by the daughter of his heart, Melissa and her husband Emmett. His greatest joy was his ten-old grandson, Bryce, whom he adored. He is also survived by his loving mother-in-law, Eudena Kirkham; sister-in-law and husband, Rebecca and Harold Payne, of Greencastle, IN. Kevin was an all-city, all-state halfback for Redford St. Mary's High School, Detroit, helping to win city championships. He also played baseball winning a state championship. Kevin chose to attend the University of Iowa lettering in both football and baseball. He played halfback for the Iowa 1956 and 1958 Rose Bowl Championship teams. Iowa won two out of three Big-Ten championships. He was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity being elected to their all-American team. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Kevin began his professional career in the home appliance industry. He was known as "Mr. Microwave." He then held various senior executive positions in the consumer electronics industry retiring from Toshiba America. Kevin served on many industry philanthropic committees. He was widely respected and was known for treating everyone with fairness and respect. Kevin's had a great love of music and a beautiful voice. We know God and the angels are enjoying hearing his songs. After retirement in 2004, Kevin and Barbara retired to Tellico Village from northern New Jersey looking forward to many happy years together. Unfortunately those years were cut short as Kevin was struck by Alzheimer's. What truly defined Kevin was his gift of making and nurturing lifelong friendships. He will forever be remembered for his zest for life, ready wit and smile. Barbara can never begin to thank the countless friends who were there for them as they made this difficult journey. Kevin's special "angel" was Bob "Big Ten" LeZotte who was there for him when it was no longer easy. A special thank you to his nephew, Dan Prevo, of Ovilla, Texas. Additional love and thanks to all of the Tanasi lunch bunch ladies who helped give Barbara the strength to keep Kevin with her to the end. A very grateful thank you to Dr. John Dougherty who extended Kevin such compassion and wonderful care. Additional thanks to his hospice team of Sharon Jardine, Missy and Roy who treated him with such love and tenderness. The biggest thank you goes to Bea Johnson whose loving care allowed us to keep Kevin at home. A memorial mass for Kevin will be celebrated Thursday, April 26th, at St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church in Lenoir City at 11:00 a.m. Please wish Kevin Godspeed. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in Kevin's name to: Kids First Child Advocacy Center, 9th Judicial District, P. O. Box 928, Lenoir City, TN 37771. Click Funeral Home Tellico Village Chapel is in charge of Kevin's arrangements. www.clickfuneralhome.com