Henry J. Long Sr.

1934 - 2024

Henry J. Long Sr.

Henry J. Long Sr., 89, of Lehighton, took his last breath in this world on Sunday, July 7, 2024, in his home, while surrounded by his loving family. He and his wife, Shirley (Higgins) Long, had been married for over 72 years.

Born in Lehighton in 1934, he was the eldest of the six children of the late Henry W. and Marjorie (Klotz) Long.

Throughout his life, Henry filled his time in this world with varied adventures, in many roles, including husband, father, grandfather, friend, musician, sportsman. He modeled his traits of love, faith, loyalty, persistence, and hard work, and made the most of every day, as well as finding ways to make others smile, even in the most difficult times in his own life.

He worked in varied fields and occupations throughout life, including being employed by The Morning Call, Peoples Life Insurance Company, owner/proprietor of Long's Short Stop, and many others. He also served in the Army National Guard for 24 years.

Henry also served his community in a variety of civic organizations, while always remaining faithful in serving our Lord in all of his walks of life. He worshipped and lovingly served in many ways as a member of Grace Lutheran Church for over 7 decades, and most recently in the Lehighton Bible Fellowship for the last 5 years.

As a musician, he shared his talents in many ways throughout his entire lifetime, playing in various bands, as well as singing in church choirs and local ensembles.

His most valued musical endeavor was being the originator/band leader and trumpeter and vocalist of The Perseverance Jazz Band, who played and performed together for over 5 decades.

His community involvement included Lehighton UVO, Lehighton Band, Lehighton Cemetery Board, Lehighton Planning Commission, inaugural coach for the Lehighton Booster football program, Beaver Run Rod and Gun Club, and Carbon County Grundsaw Lodge No. 11. He had many hobbies, including gardening, football, baseball, hunting, and fishing. Henry was also very loyal in serving as a bugler for military funerals and ceremonies throughout Carbon County and other localities.

Henry always enjoyed friendly competition and good sportsmanship from his very youngest days and throughout life, including the Carbon County Senior Games where he earned numerous medals over the last two decades as he also encouraged others to do their best while having fun together.

Surviving along with his wife, Shirley, are sons, Henry Jr., and wife, Sally, Eric, and wife, Linda, and Kevin, and wife, Carolyn; daughter Lora, wife of David Krum; brother, David Long; sisters, Sharelle Kratzer and Arlene Gubich; grandchildren, Laurel Zimmerman, Larissa Kimmel, Quynntin Long, Lynette Silva, Daniel Long, Michael Muffley, Mindy Tkach, Marcey Goodbred; 18 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whom he treated like family.

He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Lowell "Homer" Long; and sister, Margo Solipaca, as well as his daughter Linda, wife of Clarence "Mike" Muffley, and three grandsons, Eric Long Jr, Dylan Krum and Gavin Krum.

Service: Memorial service with military honors, under the direction of the Lehighton UVO will be held on Saturday, July 27, at 11 a.m. in the Schaeffer Funeral Home, 300 Alum St., Lehighton, with Pastor Randy Parker officiating. A calling will precede the service from 9-11 a.m. The Committal will be private. Schaeffer Funeral Home, Lehighton, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Contributions in Henry's memory can be made to DYLAN AND GAVIN'S RAINBOW, P.O. Box 511, Lehighton, PA 18235. Online condolences may be made at www.schaefferfunerals.com.