Thursday, March 28, 2024

Obituary of Ernest E. 'Ernie' Long, Jr., 81

Name of Deceased Ernest E. 'Ernie' Long, Jr.
Age 81
Date of Death 10/28/2016
Date of Birth 11/29/1934
Funeral Home Steven R. Neff Funeral Home

Ernest E. “Ernie” Long, Jr., 81, of Millheim, passed from this life on Friday, October 28, 2016 at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Born November 29, 1934 in Bellefonte, Ernie was a son of the late Ernest E. Long, Sr. and Ethel M. “Huey” Long. He was a 1953 graduate of Gregg Township Vocational School and enjoyed playing soccer and basketball. Ernie joined the Air Force in 1954 and was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in MI where he was trained in Airborne Radar, Navigation and Doppler Radar. Ernie was also stationed at Plattsburgh, NY with SAC, 8th Air Force, 380th Bomb Wing. His other assignments included 10th Tac Wing in France and Goose Bay, Labrador.

Upon his discharge from the military in 1964, Ernie was first employed by Fischer Electronics in Milroy and then went to HRB Singer in State College, where he retired after 32 years as an Electronic Technician. Ernie married the love of his life, Eva E. Dietz on March 14, 1965. Eva survives at their home in Millheim.

Ernie served on the Millheim Bicentennial Committee. He was a life member of the Elks Club 1600, and the American Legion Keystone Post # 444. His other memberships included the Millheim Fire Company, the St. James United Methodist Church, the Air Force Association, and the National Rifle Association. He was a former Committee Chairman for Boy Scouts Troop #88, and a former member of the Millheim Lions Club, and the Millheim Borough Council. Ernie was an avid Penn State sports fan and enjoyed hunting in his younger years. Most of all he loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife, Ernie is survived by one daughter, Kathy D. Shope (Mickey) of Blanchard; and one son, E. Scott Long (Shawna) of Millheim, and four sisters, Mary V. Auman (Frank) of State College, Ruth Myers (Larry) of Spring Mills, Hazel Ciccone (Ted) of Great Falls, VA and Donna J. Long of State College. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Kristina and Derek Shope and Eric and Abigail Long. Ernie was preceded in death by one daughter, Valerie Anne Long in 1970.

Family and friends will be received from 5-8 pm on Sunday, October 30th at the Steven R. Neff Funeral Home in Millheim. The funeral will be held on Monday, October 31st at the St. James United Methodist Church in Coburn at 11:00 am with Pastor Chris Lutz officiating. Ernie will be laid to rest in Farmers Mills Union Cemetery in Spring Mills. Contributions in memory of Ernie may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or Paralyzed Veterans at www.pva.org.