Robert F. Long

Robert F. Long
1927 – 2023
Robert F. Long, 95, of Utica, husband of the late Adela, passed away on January 28, 2023 at the Masonic Care Community, Utica. He was born in Utica on October 22, 1927, a son of Kenneth B. and Rose M. Caliguire Long. Bob grew up in Utica and graduated from Thomas R. Proctor High School with the Class of 1945. While in high school, he enjoyed playing football.
Immediately after graduating high school Mr. Long enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving his country in the South Pacific during WW II until his honorable discharge in 1946. He was employed by the New York Central Railroad as a Trackman from 1947 to 1951.
On August 20, 1949, he was married to Adela Elizabeth Aiken. Mrs. Long died on October 31, 2012.
Mr. Long graduated from Utica College of Syracuse University, where he earned an AAS in electronics in 1957 and a BA in physics & math (magna cum laude) in 1958. He was employed as a Physicist for 25 years at the Rome Air Development Center at Griffis Air Force Base, where he worked on many cutting-edge scientific projects, retiring in 1976.
He served as a volunteer firefighter for the Stittville Fire Department for many years. He also earned an AAS in criminal justice from MVCC in 1974 and served as a constable for the Town of Marcy for 18 years. Mr. Long was a Master Mason and a member of the Utica Lodge since 2006.
In his younger years he enjoyed assisting his brother Ken race sports cars at Watkins Glen. He was an avid target shooter and certified firearms safety instructor. He played guitar, enjoyed photography and could repair anything. In his later years, he liked walking, reading and crossword puzzles, and was dedicated to helping his wife through a long illness.
He is survived by a daughter, Karen Grzanowicz (Joseph Jarmula) of Marcy; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert C. Long (Dr. Renie Kehres) of Jamesville; grandchildren, Brenda Grzanowicz (Brooke Smith) of Whitesboro, Isaac Navias (Kim Coates) of Arizona, Kara Jarmula (Chris Scialdone) of Utica; great grandsons, Noah Jayakumar and Elijah Smith of Whitesboro; a brother, Richard of Utica; a sister, Rosemary Latella of Utica; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Kenneth and Donald Long.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Olteanu, nurses and staff in the Windham household, including Krista, also Monica Wiggins, Jay Snow and Vicky. A memorial service will be held on February 18 at 12:00 at Dimbleby Funeral Home, 40 Main St. in Whitesboro. In lieu of flowers, friends may consider donations in Bob's name to the Humane Society of Rome.
For online expressions of sympathy please go to www.dimblebyfh.com