Robert J. Long

MSgt. Robert J. Long, U.S. Army, Ret., 85, Longswamp Township, died peacefully, Thursday, October 5, 2023, in Valley Manor Rehab and Care Facility, Coopersburg, where he was a patient three days.  He was the loving husband of Sandra A. (Rohrbach) Long.  They were married February 2, 1963.  Bob and Sandy were members of Saint Peter's Union Church, Macungie.  Bob honorably and faithfully served his country as a career veteran of the United States Army, having service during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

During Bob's dedicated service to our Country, he served a tour in Korea, two tours in Germany, one tour in Vietnam.  Bob returned stateside and saw service on bases in Virginia, Maryland, and Kansas during his 22-year distinguished career.  Following his retirement from the Armed Forces Bob worked for Caloric Corporation, at its Topton plant for ten years.

Robert enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He more recently began collecting hit-and-miss engines and antique tractors, which he proudly displayed at fairs and collector shows.  Bob was a member of Kempton and Alburtis Rod & Gun Clubs.  He was also a member and past president of Nimrod Fish & Wildlife, Alburtis; he was a member and past president of Antique, Toy and Tractor Club.  He was a member of Old Time Plow Boys and the Two-Cylinder Club.  He was also a member of Ray A. Master Post 217 American Legion, Topton.

In addition to his wife of 60 years, Sandy, Bob is survived by four children:  Connie M. (Long) Derr, Lehighton; Debi D. (Long), wife of Daniel L. Helfrich, Mertztown; Donna F. (Long), wife of A. Chris Hallenbeck, Junction City, KS; Michael R. husband of Brooke (Sine) Long, Exeter Township.  Other survivors include eight grandchildren: Katie M. (Derr) Knopf; Jenna Derr; Courtney Hallenbeck; Heather L. (Helfrich) Smith; Nicholas R. Helfrich; Bennett R. Helfrich; Lexi Long; Jamie Long; five great grandchildren: Lucas Knopf; Eli Knopf; Roman Simmons; Ivy Simmons; and Ryder Smith.  In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by two brothers: Donald and Warren Long; and two sisters: Jeanette (Long) Schaner; and Annie (Long) DeRita.

A Funeral Service to Celebrate and Honor Bob's life will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. in Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, with The Reverend Mary W. Gade, officiating.  Interment with Military Honors in Saint Peter's Church Cemetery, Macungie.  Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Monday evening from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. both times in the funeral home.

The family requests contributions be considered in Bob's memory to American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD  20852.

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ludwickfh.com.