Obituary of Robert A. Long
Robert A. “Bob” Long, age 99, of Joliet, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
Bob was born in St. Louis, MO, on May 27, 1925 to the late Agnes (nee Barrett) and John J. Long, and moved to Joliet at an early age. He attended Joliet Catholic and Joliet Township High Schools, as well as Joliet Junior College where he was a member of the basketball team. A proud World War II veteran of the United States Army Air Corps, he served from 1943 to 1946, and was part of the China Burma India offensive campaign. His decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, WW II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal with 2 Bronze Battle Stars, American Theater Medal, and Overseas Service Ribbon. Following the war, he completed his education under the GI Bill, receiving his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa.
A successful businessman and entrepreneur, Bob owned and operated the Robert A. Long Company which specialized in sales and marketing incentives, and also Eagle Brands, an Anheuser-Busch distributorship, which he co-owned with his brother-in-law, Thomas Feehan.
Bob was “side by side” with his best friend and beloved wife, Marilyn, for 67 years until her passing June 18, 2015. They enjoyed traveling extensively with their children and grandchildren throughout the United States, visiting all 50 states, as well as Asia and Europe, with many special trips to Ireland. Bob and Marilyn also enjoyed spending their winters at their home in Venice, FL.
As the last surviving member of his generation of the Long, and Burt families, he cherished his role as Uncle Bob, offering support and guidance to multiple generations of nieces and nephews.
Bob was a founding member of the Church of St. Jude and instituted the basketball program at St. Jude School, serving as the original Coach of the 8th Grade boys basketball team for 25 years. He influenced the lives of many young men over many years.
Faith and family were paramount in his life, and he was extremely proud of his Irish heritage. He actively followed all his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s sports, theatrical and all school activities. Bob gave generously back to his community, supported many charitable interests, and enjoyed his memberships in numerous clubs and organizations including the Knights of Columbus and the VFW, and was a proud supporter of Joliet Catholic High School. In May of 2024, he was awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution Chicago Chapter.
Last but not least, he was a lifelong follower of St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and an avid Iowa Hawkeyes and University of Notre Dame fan, hosting legendary football tailgates for over 70 years.
He is survived by his children, Kerry Long (Tom Manaher), Connie (Richard) Myers, Barrett (Jeanne) Long, and Erin (Matthew) Springman; grandchildren, Bridget (Vince) Mullins, Kevin Springman, Mary Kate (Scott) Selling and Maggie Long; great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Jack Mullins, Cooper and Nelly Selling; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; great-granddaughter, Ava Mullins; his parents; and his siblings, Thomas (Martha) Long, Loretta (James) Sullivan, John (Alice) Long, Barrett (Catherine) Long, Margaret Long, Norman (Pauline) Long, Donald Long, and Beverly (Thomas) Feehan; brother-in-law, William (Phyllis) Burt; and sister-in-law, Joan (Robert) Nielsen.
The family wishes to thank Sean McGorman, a dear family friend, for his care and support. Thanks also to Lightways Hospice and Gentle Touch Home Assist for their comfort and care for Bob in his final week.
Visitation for Robert A. Long will be held Monday, September 16, 2024 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 9:15 a.m., from the funeral home chapel to Holy Family Catholic Church, Shorewood, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville, where military honors will be accorded by the United States Army.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Honor Flight Chicago (www.honorflightchicago.org) or Misericordia Heart of Mercy (www.misericordia.com) would be appreciated.
For information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his memorial tribute page at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
