Donald F. Long
Donald F. Long, 68, of Worthington passed away Thursday at his home surrounded by his loving wife and children.
He was born in Kittanning on Jan. 21, 1946, to Fred and Ruth (Bowser) Long.
He was a lifelong resident of his beloved Worthington. He was a Pangborn-Butler steelworker for 21 years and was the owner of Long's Worthington Market for 21 years.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in the Vietnam War.
He was a member of the First Church of God in Kittanning. He was a member of the Worthington American Legion and the Steelworkers Union. He also was a member of the Kittanning-East Brady Lodge 244 F&AM.
He was president of the Worthington borough council for 32 years, vice president of the Worthington West Franklin Volunteer Fire Department, a board member for Worthington Water and Sewer and was a member of the Harley Owners Group.
He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Marcia (Masters) Long of Worthington; four daughters, Julie L. Long of Sarver, Stacey K. Grantz (Sam) of Kittanning, Mari Dawn Zilla (Chris) of Kittanning and Mandy Allison Jones (Dan) of Kittanning; five grandchildren, Tyler and Cody Grantz, Megan Dawn and Owen Zilla, and Carter Jones, all of Kittanning; one brother, Robert Long of Worthington; and two sisters, Betty Cressler of Kittanning and Linda (Long) Flick of Florida.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Paul Long; and one sister, Deloris Stewart.
Don loved his hometown of Worthington and the Worthington West Franklin Volunteer Fire Department. He could always be seen driving around to make sure the town was kept up and worked selflessly doing things to make it a great place to live. He loved the Worthington Carnival, serving as chairman for many years, and could be seen always working the hot sausage stand and selling tickets to fund raise. He was a great leader, always believing in leading by example, and keeping peace and goodwill for the community. He always stood up for the underdog and was a true friend to many.
He was a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan, going to Super Bowl XIII on his birthday when they beat Dallas. He really enjoyed the many motorcycle trips he and Marcia took, especially to Tennessee. He put his heart and soul into Long's Market when the steel mill closed and made it locally famous for its hoagies.
Most of all, he loved his family, and always worked sacrificing himself to give to them and countless others. He got great joy from his precious grandchildren, always amazed by each one's unique personality. He will be truly missed by all who loved him.
LONG — Friends of Donald F. Long, who died Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, will be received Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the F. Duane Snyder Funeral Home, 119 Bear St., Worthington.Additional visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. Monday at the First Church of God in Kittanning with the Rev. Gale Winning, assisted by the Rev. Nick Wilson, both of the First Church of God in Kittanning.Interment will be in the Worthington Presbyterian Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Church of God or the Worthington West Franklin Volunteer Fire Department in Don's memory.
