Obituary: Richard F. Long Sr.

Richard F. Long Sr., 76

Richard Francis Long Sr. passed into eternal life on Feb. 5 at age 76.

Husband of Beatrice (Abraham) Long, he was the father of Kathleen Long of Weymouth; Richard Long Jr. and wife, Mary, of Bridgewater along with granddaughters Kate and Emily; Thomas and wife, Tammy, of Abington along with grandchildren Sarah and Matthew; Edward and wife, Taryn, of Weymouth along with grandchildren Timothy and Riley; and David of Wareham. 

Mr. Long was predeceased by his son Kevin, sister Patricia, and brother John. He leaves his sister Helen and husband, Richard Birks, of Bellingham, and his brother Robert and wife, Corinne, of Rockland. He also leaves many nieces and nephews, as well as his beloved cats Betsy, Smokey, Sable and Loomis.

Those pets gone before him he hopes to meet at the Rainbow Bridge. Mr. Long served honorably in the Air Force military police, including one year in Vietnam where unfortunately he was exposed to Agent Orange which ultimately resulted in his death. He worked for 20 years as a marine officer for the U.S. Customs Service, inspecting ships’ manifests and cargo in Boston. As a child, he was an altar boy and was introduced to conservative politics by his paternal grandmother. After raising his family, he and Beatrice traveled extensively, visiting more than 50 countries and almost the entire United States.

Mr. Long wrote this obituary; the words are his. Red was his favorite color: red shirts, red living room walls, red car, red trim and roof on the house, among many other things. In his memory, if you attend, please wear something red.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Saturday, Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church, Hull, followed by the funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Burial in Hull Village Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Hospice of the South Shore, 30 Reservoir Park Drive, Rockland, MA 02370, your favorite animal charity or an organization of your choice, except for anything or anyone related to the Democratic Party. 

Visit www.Keohane.com for directions and online condolences.