Howard W. Long

Howard W. Long, 91, of Wheeling, WV and Palm Beach Gardens, FL, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Howard was born September 4, 1934, in Piedmont, OH, the son of the late Robert and Dorothy Long. He attended McKinley Vocational School graduating in 1952 while working as a sheet metal apprentice. By the age of 21, Howard became a partner of the company.

In 1959, Howard launched a lifelong career of establishing and transforming businesses with an apartment building and a potato processing franchise serving as the foundation for what would evolve into Coronet Foods. Coronet Foods grew into a produce processing empire spanning the globe. During this time, Howard pioneered the production and shipment of lettuce in the United States, becoming a vital part of McDonald's international expansion efforts focusing on produce operations in emerging markets.

A survivor of cardiac disease, Howard was the recipient of a heart transplant which blessed him with an additional 25 years of life.

Howard was equally passionate about wellness, and his success in international business afforded him the opportunity to financially bless numerous local organizations committed to the well-being of Ohio Valley residents, with the Howard Long Wellness Center being perhaps the most visible of these contributions. Howard was inducted into the Wheeling Hall of Fame in 1992 and was presented with an honorary doctorate from West Liberty University in the same year.

Howard did not believe he achieved any of the aforementioned success by his own strength. He was a devout Christian and firmly believed God had only blessed him so abundantly to allow him to bless others. Howard's commitment to advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ was unmatched, and he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Regent University in May of 2025 in recognition of his many decades of faithful stewardship.

In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his three brothers, his sister, and one daughter, Lorna.

Howard was a devoted husband and loving father who is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Wendy, and their three children; James (Hayley), Diane, and Matthew (Olivia); and his eldest son, Denny (Cheryl). Additionally, Howard was blessed with five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

Private arrangements for services have been made by the family. A public celebration of life will be announced to the community for the spring of 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations to either the Salvation Army of Wheeling or the Center for Organ Recovery and Education.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.altmeyerfuneralhomes.com.