Lakeville: May 24, 2015 at age 89. Predeceased by parents Melvin & Gladys (Carr) Long and son Ronald Long. Survived by his wife of 67 years Rachel (Reed), children; Judy Long (Stephen Sellinger) of FL and Deni Long (Mark Lorenzen) of Rochester. Daughter-in-law Dana Keefer of Watertown. Grandchildren; Eric Long, Alex Long, Brenna Lorenzen, Luke (Kate) Lorenzen, great-grandchildren; Ella & Nathan Lorenzen. 1 exchange daughter and 11 exchange grandchildren from around the world. Elwood was a Mason for over 60 years, was a long time member of the Lakeville UCC, and served his country in the US Army Air Corps.
“El” was born May 22, 1926 to Gladys and Mel Long. He grew up in Lakeville and graduated from Livonia Central School. He was a loving son, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and had friendships across the country and around the world. He was a strong man who served his country in the Army Air Corps in WWII. He was a machinist, mechanic, entrepreneur, craftsman and avid pilot. He was active for many years in the Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department and served as Chief. He was an active member of the Lakeville United Church of Christ for more than 70 years. El was a member and President of the Livonia Central Board of Education for several years. He enjoyed flying, history, baseball, sailing, and spending time with family and friends.
Friends may call on Friday, May 29th, from 4-7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 15 & 20A, Livonia. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 2pm at the Lakeville United Church of Christ, 5687 Big Tree Road, Rte 20A, Lakeville, NY 14480. Private burial Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Geneseo, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lakeville United Church of Christ at the address above or the Lakeville Fire Department, PO Box 376, Lakeville, NY 14480. To send a condolence and for further information please visit:
www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
So sorry to hear about your dad. Lakeville will not be the same. When I told my Uncle Harvey about your dad passing he told me a story I want to pass on to you. Your dad loved to fly and my uncle loved to race boats on Conesus Lake. One day your dad flew down to the water to my uncle’s boat and picked him up and took him for a ride his plane. He must have had pontoon skis on his plane. Later he dropped my uncle off back at his boat still sitting in the lake where he left it. I remember when your dad and Jimmy Raffa owned an ultralight plane that they would buzz around the area especially over the lake. It sounded so funny like a lawnmower engine with wings. We knew they were having fun up there. Your dad will be missed. My parents and your parents were friends thru Eastern Star and Masons. My mom grew up in Lakeville so she knew the Long family for many years.
I always enjoyed talking with Elwood. I remember, soon after I got my pilot’s license (45+ years ago), Elwood, my dad (a retired Navy pilot) and I were talking ‘pilot talk’. Elwood gave some words of wisdom about night flying … “If you see a light in the sky and it is not moving, be concerned; if it is getting bigger, get out of the way”.
Judy, sorry to hear about your father, I have lots fond memories of him, from when I was living with You and Steph.
Love and hugs from all of us in Canada
Rachel,Judy & Deni, my condolences to all of you and your families. I have a lot of good memories of Elwood. Our thoughts are with you.
You’re in our hearts and on our minds, Judy. Love and hugs to you, Steph, and your family.
Judy and Deni,
I am so sorry to hear about your father. My mother just found out from Dick Neff. My condolences to both of you and your mom – my thoughts are with you.
Woody
My condolences to you and your family, Judy. I have fond memories of your dad.
Please give my condolences to your Mom, Judy and Deni. I know how hard this is for you all. I’ve known your Dad all my life and always looked forward to spending time with them when ever I was back in town. He will be sorely missed.
So sorry that Mom and I won’t be home to Lakeville in time to be there to honor Elwood this weekend. Please know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time, and that we will always cherish fond memories of him. Much love to all of you from the Allen family.
Wish we could be there to give you a big hug Deni. Our condolences to you, Judy, and your Mom. xxoo Terry & Bob