In loving memory of William Long, Jr. - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

William ”Bill” F. Long Jr., age 78, of New Smyrna Beach, FL, formerly of Naugatuck, CT, passed away after a brief illness on September 6, 2021, at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, FL, with his loving wife Susan and three children by his side. Bill was born on February 20, 1943, in Waterbury, CT, to the late William F. Long Sr., and Antionette Nardello Long. He graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1961. On May 25,1963, he married his middle and high school sweetheart, Susan. On November 18,1969, Bill became a supernumerary police officer with the Naugatuck Police Department. Bill became a full-time police officer in October of 1970. During his long successful career in law enforcement, he held every rank within the department, including being appointed to Chief of Police in 1989. Among his many proud accomplishments was being named the president of the Western Area Regional Chiefs of Police in 1990. He retired in 1996 after 27 years of service with the Naugatuck Police Department.

Bill was a consummate, loving and selfless family man who always put his family before himself and everything else. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. He cherished every moment they had together. He was unendingly proud of his children and grandchildren. He was affectionately referred to as “Papa” by his grandchildren.

Bill spent the past 17 years of his retirement living with his wife in New Smyrna Beach. He found great joy in going on Caribbean Cruises and spending time at the beach with his family and friends. He loved the outdoors and had a particular affinity for the New Smyrna Beach sunsets. Bill had a passion for old cars, attending car shows and driving his 1989 Ford Mustang GT along the Florida coastline. He was also an avid Clemson Tigers fan. Bill served as president of the Fairgreen Homeowners Association up until the time of his death.

Bill is survived by his wife and best friend Susan (Valois) Long of 58 years; his three children: Debra Ismail and her husband Thomas, William F Long III and his wife Mimi, Kristen Gallino and her husband Bryan. His six grandchildren: Ryan Geletka, Nicole Geletka and her fiance Justin, Joseph Pruchnicki, Samantha Ismail, Bryan Gallino Jr., and Brooke Long. His brother in laws; Edmond and Raymond Valois, sister-in-law Lynn Marti and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, his sisters Myrna Thurston and Joan Casey.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Bill on September 19, 2021, at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home, 620 Dunlawton Avenue, Port Orange, FL, from 2-4 pm. A church service will be held in Bill’s hometown of Naugatuck, CT, at a later date and time to be announced.