Obituary of Thomas E. Long

LITTLE FALLS: Thomas E. (Tom) Long, 71, a Little Falls resident, and past Little Falls 4th Ward Alderman (1982-1992 and 2002-2012) and Herkimer County Legislator, 12th District (1992-2002), passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at Valley Health Services in Herkimer. Born on March 5, 1944, Tom was the son of the late Daniel C. & Margaret (Cotter) Long. Raised and educated locally he was a graduate of St. Mary’s Academy (1962) and went on to enlist with the United States Air Force (1962 until 1968). Upon release from active duty Tom attained the rank Airman 1st Class, E4. He was united in marriage to Patricia A. “Pat” Carroll on September 19, 1970 at St. Patrick’s Church in St. Johnsville with whom he shared a wonderful and loving relationship with. They were blessed with 42 years of marriage until the passing of Pat on September 8, 2013. Tom worked diligently and hard throughout his life. He most recently enjoyed seasonal employment as an assistant harbor master at Rotary Park in Little Falls. Following his service to our country he had worked with Univac as an electronic technician (1966 until 1972). Then in 1972 he began working with Niagara Mohawk – National Grid and worked as a meter and test troubleshooter for both electrical and gas operations. He retired from there in 2003. Tom enjoyed the casino and his trips to Atlantic City and the Bahamas with his wife. Spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren was most important to him and he will be missed by all. He was a member of the Little Falls American Legion (Five time past commander) and for many years was affiliated with the Little Falls Polish Community Home, the DeCarlo – Staffo Post, a former president of the St. Mary’s Men’s Club, a Little Falls Little League Baseball Coach for 26 years and a Apostle’s League Basketball Coach for ten years. He was a parishioner of Holy Family Parish. The family fondly reflects back on the notion that Tom never lost an election! He is survived by a son, Tommy Long of Syracuse; a daughter, Meghann Zononi and husband David of Hatfield, MA; his cherished grandchildren, Cameron and Madison Zononi; his siblings, Bob Long, Maryanne and Tony Rich, Joe and Kathy Long, In-Laws, James Carroll and wife Mary Ann, Joan Sargeant and husband Lawrence, and Cheryl Long, his godson, Daniel Long, and many nieces, nephews and cousins and very special friends and neighbors. He was predeceased by a brother, Richard Long. Expressions of sympathy may be made to The Bassett Healthcare Cancer Center; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family is very grateful to the staff of Valley Health Services, with special mention to One West. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe Street, Little Falls (315) 823-2424, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2015. His funeral service will commence on Monday, November 2, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. from the funeral home and at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, corner of John /E. Main Sts. Little Falls, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Terence Healy. Procession will then follow to St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Herkimer, where he will be laid to rest. Full military rites shall be accorded. Members of the Little Falls American Legion are asked to meet at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. Sunday for a service and the Little Falls City officials at 6:00 PM. The family is being cared for by Harry J. & Kevin E. Enea, Funeral Directors. To leave an online note of sympathy, please visit www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.