Shane Jared Long

Shane Jared Long, 36, of Paramus, tragically passed away on March 28, 2025, entering the loving arms of his grandparents, Vincent and Shirley Petrik, and Frank and Angelina “Lil” Long. Shane was born on October 10, 1988, in Teaneck, New Jersey. He is survived by his parents, Anthony and Cheryl Long; his two older brothers, Kyle Long and Justin Anthony Long, and their partners, Cyndy Webster Long and Jonathan Lee Jr.; his nephew and niece, Aidyn Long and Ryleigh Long; his uncles John Long and Bob Berritto; his godparents Ronald Kozich Jr. and Ellen Thomas, and last but certainly not least, his beloved dogs, Brooks, Bodie, and Baxter.

A lifelong New Jersey resident, Shane grew up in Paramus and graduated from Montclair State University. He built a career working at several companies, including KIND Bars in Human Resources, and most recently at Salesforce as their “Global Total Rewards & People Operations Leader.” Shane was a dedicated professional, a hard worker who was personable and was beloved by many colleagues throughout his career. Shane’s true passion lay in theatre. He pursued and excelled in musical theatre, beginning in middle school where he starred as Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Harold Hill in The Music Man at West Brook Middle School in Paramus. In high school, he continued performing at Paramus High School, as well as in youth programs such as Garage Theatre Group and the John Harms Performing Arts Center (now BergenPAC). He portrayed a wide range of roles from juvenile charm as Arpad in She Loves Me, to romantic flair as Sir Harry in Once Upon a Mattress, and even comedic brilliance as Snoopy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown; demonstrating versatility and talent from a young age. As an adult, Shane became a cherished member of the New Jersey community theatre scene, known for his soaring tenor voice, impeccable comedic timing, and undeniable charm. A local favorite, he performed to packed audiences at numerous venues, including Cranford Dramatic Club, Plays in the Park in Edison, and Light Opera of New Jersey. He was fortunate to be able to play dream roles such as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Jack Kelly in Newsies, and his lauded portrayal of Burrs in Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party. Beyond community theatre, Shane also worked professionally as a singer and actor, gracing stages at Woodloch Resort in the Poconos and even New York City as Andrew in My Big Gay Italian Wedding.

Shane was always on the go, working hard, but found time to really enjoy the pleasures in life. He loved greatly and was greatly loved by many people. His friends were also his family, and he treated them as such with a giving heart and a ferocious love. He especially loved his nephew and niece and often proclaimed himself as the “Funcle,” which he truly was. Shane lived his life like a bolt of lightning; fast, loud, and full of energy. And like lightning, he burned bright, but was gone too soon. Shane will be missed with the deepest of love in this world, but the heavens have gained another bright shining star. We love you Shane, now and for always.

There will be a funeral service for Shane, Friday, 10am at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bogota. Interment will follow at Hackensack Cemetery, Hackensack. Visiting Thursday 2-4 and 7-9pm.