Frank Long

Frank Long, 91, of Middletown, Ohio - devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather - entered into eternal life on Tuesday, May 16th, 2023 at home, surrounded by his loving family. A life-long Middletonian, Frank was born on March 12th,1932 to parents Charles Joseph Long and Grace Cecelia (McDaniel) Long, the 3rd of 4 children.

Proud of his Irish heritage, Frank was born and raised in the neighborhood known as “Little Dublin'' near Holy Trinity Church. This church would become the cornerstone of his devout Catholic faith for 91 years.

Family, faith and service were at the center of Frank’s life. He leaves a lasting legacy in each regard. His strong work ethic, endless passion and total dedication in all aspects of his life was unparalleled. He worked tirelessly to support his family, his parish and his community. He helped the custodians clean the church when he was still a young boy. He answered the call to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the time of the Korean War. He had a 41-year career at Armco Steel. Most importantly, he had 65 years of marriage and family life. Frank personified the Jesuit message of being “a person for others”.

Frank attended Holy Trinity Parish School where he met the future love of his life Jeanne Stabler, the best friend of his younger sister Marilyn. A 1950 graduate of Hamilton Catholic High School, Frank excelled both academically and athletically. After high school, he went to work at Armco Steel Corporation. On January 18th, 1958 Frank and Jeanne wed at Holy Trinity Church. Together they started a family. They raised 14 children. They welcomed 45 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren during their 65 years of marriage. Family was everything to Frank and he was deeply proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He affectionately referred to them as “gifts”. He will be greatly missed as the patriarch and “prayer giant” of his large, tight-knit and loving family.

Frank’s Catholic faith was of utmost importance. He and Jeanne worked tirelessly and sacrificed unselfishly to ensure that each of their 14 children attended Catholic schools throughout grade school and high school. Placing great value on higher education, Frank worked hard and made tremendous sacrifices to ensure all 14 of his children obtained college degrees.

One of Frank’s guiding principles during his life was a popular quote from Armco founder George M. Verity: “He lives most who serves best”. Frank personified this philosophy in all aspects of his life. He willingly answered the call to duty for his country, serving in the United States Army during the time of the Korean War. After two years of active duty, he returned home and resumed work at Armco Steel until his retirement as Maintenance Supervisor in 1992 after 41 years of dedicated service.

Despite the busy schedules - balancing work, family and service while his children were young, Frank rarely missed the opportunity to support his kids on the sidelines, in the bleachers or in the classroom. If he wasn’t coaching or volunteering to run the organization or event, you would find him at the top of the bleachers or stadium with his stopwatch, or intently watching the game or meet away from the crowd. He continued the same passion and devotion in supporting his grandchildren.

Frank volunteered and supported many school, parish and civic organizations throughout his life. These include: serving Holy Trinity Church/Holy Family Parish in various capacities from 1940 through 2020 (80 years); Fenwick High School Athletic Event Admission (1960 - 2013); John XXIII School Athletic Director (1976-1989); John XXIII and Fenwick School Boards and Boosters; Fenwick Festival Chair; Meals on Wheels; Community Pregnancy Center; Middletown Pee Wee football; Middletown Knothole Baseball; over a decade of volunteerism with Knights of Columbus Bingo and Youth Chairman; Armco Park/Armco Association Board of Directors; and the Middletown YMCA Fund Drive. Frank was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1610, and the American Legion. He enjoyed watching sports, playing cards, story-telling and spending time with family. He was an avid fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Cincinnati Reds.

Frank adored his family and will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 65 years Jeanne C. (Stabler) Long; children Jim (Suzette) Long, Greg Long, Joe (Beth) Long, Annemarie (Chris) McCarthy, Tom Long, Maureen (Greg) Gaston, Andy (Lina) Long, Steve (Marisa) Long, Kevin (Catherine) Long, Angie (Michael) Valenti, Kathy (Tony) Maritato, Maryellen (Sean) DeWolfe, Carolyn (Peter) Lenz, and Mike (Krista) Long, along with 45 grandchildren and one on the way, 2 great grandchildren and one on the way; his sister Marilyn Lambert, and his sister-in-law Mary Ann Long.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Long; his sister Jean Bruewer, and his son-in-law, Sean DeWolfe.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 11:00 am at Holy Family Parish - Holy Trinity Church, 201 Clark Street, Middletown, Ohio 45042. Father John Civille will be the celebrant. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10:00 am - 11:00 am at the Church. Burial will follow at Woodside Cemetery and Arboretum, with military honors conducted by the Middletown Combined Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Vincent dePaul Society, c/o Holy Family Parish,  201 Clark Street, Middletown, OH 45042 or Dayton Right to Life (https://www.daytonlife.org/) P.O. Box 321, Dayton, OH 45404.