NORWICH – Alonzo C. “Lonnie” Long, 94, life long Norwich resident, passed away Friday evening, Nov. 21, 2008 in the Chenango Memorial Hospital of Norwich.
Lonnie was born in November of 1914 in Norwich, the son of Fred and Stella Cobb Long. He attended the Norwich Schools and was a 1934 graduate of the Norwich High School. On Dec. 16, 1939 in Halstead, Pa., he married Phyllis Eleanor Keach, who passed away Feb. 19, 1988.
Throughout his life, he was a great sportsman and always believed in conservation. Over the years, Lonnie was president of many local clubs and was past president of the Chenango County Federation of Sportsman Club. During his working career, Lonnie had worked for the Scintilla in Sidney until the end of the war, the New York State Gas and Electric, the Norwich Post Office, the former Farm and Garden and Brightman’s. In 1955 he began a long time association with the Benedict Corp. Throughout his years with Benedict’s, Lonnie, with his easy going way, would help many customers with their car problems. In the mid 1980s, Lonnie retired at the age of 68, after more than 30 years of service.
Lonnie is survived by his daughter Faye Steward of Norwich, his grandchildren, Susan (Eric) Morgan of Hooksett, N.H. and Sharon (Richard) Reihl, Sr. of Norwich; his great-grandchildren Richard Reihl, Jr., Brittany Reihl, Trevin Morgan, Greg (Sarah) Morgan and Brandy Morgan. Also surviving are his great-grea- grandchildren Bryant and Corey Morgan; his faithful friend Claire Braun of Oxford and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his wife Phyllis, Lonnie was predeceased by his great-grandson Everett Charles Reihl, his sisters Frances Delude and Florence Clark and his son in law Everett Steward.
Funeral services for Lonnie will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Jeff Hale, pastor of the Broad Street United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will be in the Mt. Hope Cemetery.
There will be no calling hours.
Please consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790.