Thomas Long

Thomas Edward Long, 85, of Winter Park, Florida passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026.

Born in Akron, Ohio to Richard (Dick) and Evelyn Long, and raised in Ashland. A proud graduate of Ohio State, Tom went on to enjoy a 20 year career as a pilot with Pan Am and later with United Airlines for an additional 25 years.

His father, Dick, served as the president of Eagle Rubber Company, a manufacturing firm based in Ashland, best known for producing rubber and plastic recreational products.

Tom was an avid hunter and outdoorsman whose adventures took him to Africa, South America, and the western United States. He was also a dedicated ham radio operator who volunteered as an instructor at Orlando Amateur Radio Club. As a devout member of Orlando Grace Church, he was deeply committed to his faith in Jesus Christ.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Long. He is survived by his children, Richard (Julia) Long of Jersey City, NJ and Laura Long of Orlando; and his grandchildren, Stella and Asher Long; and his brother, Lawrence (Marcia) Long and children Bonny (Jim) Fowler, Daniel, and Mathew Long. Stepfather to Luanne (William) Neff, Holly (Jonathan) Murphy, Eric (Erica) Nompleggi.

Please consider making a memorial donation to the Pan Am Historical Foundation, either online (via credit card or PayPal) or by check. Donation details are available at: https://www.panam.org/join-support/giving-and-bequests-2. Kindly include "In Memory of Tom Long" with your gift.

An interment service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Hayesville Vermillion Cemetery with Reverend Kevin McClain presiding.

Online condolences may be shared on the funeral home's website at denbowfh.com.

Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.