Cpl. Gerald Jerry DeLong

Gerald DeLong (Jerry), 70, of Lake Whales, FL, passed away on Friday, March 9th 2018 in Orlando, FL. Jerry was born in Allentown, PA to David and Marjorie DeLong on July 27, 1947. He went to school at Parkland High School and Whitehall High School. He married Andrea Rothe on January 1st, 2015 in Cocoa Beach, FL. He graduated from Eastern Florida State College. He was a US Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart Receipt. He was with the H&S Co., 2nd Marine division, 3rd battalion as a 2531 Field Radio Operator. He voluntarily joined the Marine Corps, during the draft period, as a Private and Honorably earned his way to Corporal through his hard work and dedication in serving his country during a time of war. He was injured during his combat deployment in Vietnam. He received the Purple Heart Medal, Good Conduct Medal Period Commences 17Mar66, Vietnamese Service Medal with 1 star, Vietnamese Campaign Medal with device and the Certificate of Commendation. He was involved in the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) for decades, Veterans Memorial Center and Cocoa Bass Masters Club. Jerry was preceded in death by his son, Robert DeLong, his sister, Barbara DeLong and his nephew, David DeLong, his Marine Corps Brother Andrew Garrity and all of his Fallen Marine Corps Brothers that served with him during Vietnam. Jerry is survived by his loving Daughter: Tiffany DeLong and her fiancée Sarah, Spouse: Andrea DeLong, Step-children: Sierra and Austin Blanton, Brothers: Larry DeLong and his wife Judy, and Randy DeLong, Grandchildren: Jayden, Kiera, Brady, Aubrey, Bella, Siara Callahan and Tyler Brown Nieces and Nephews: Dena and Butchie DeLong, Daughter: Amy DeLong, Extended family: Crystal Callahan, Sharon Callahan, Grace Hungerman, Tim McNicholas and Roger Patton In lieu of flowers, please help his 22 year old, full-time college student, daughter with her Father's funeral expenses, as she is having to handle them on her own. Please send donations made payable to: Tiffany DeLong and mail them to: Tiffany DeLong ? Paws for Veterans 63 Ocean Blvd. Satellite Beach, FL 32937 The daughter of Jerry DeLong. Tiffany DeLong, wishes to extend her sincere thanks to Paws for Veterans, Buggs Funeral Home, Celeste Creations, Pastor Robert Gould, the Patriot Guard, the Honor Guard, Karl and Michelle McMillon, Bernie Conner of the Patriot Guard, Marlow White Uniforms, The Titusville VFW post Jerry's VFW family and his Cocoa Bass Masters family.