Richard Joseph Long

March 17, 1944 - December 16, 2024

On December 16th, 2024, Richard Joseph Long passed away at Hansen House with his wife and daughters surrounding him with love and comfort.  He was a such a kindhearted, witty, compassionate, devoted and thoughtful man.  His life started on March 17th, 1944 in Boston, Massachusetts when his Irish Catholic parents, Richard & Mary Long, welcomed their oldest son into the world. As a military family they traveled to many places while adding his siblings Dave, Betsey, and Mike. One of the family's favorite duty stations was Hawaii. When Richard was a teen, the family settled in Santa Clara, California.

Richard joined the Marines after high school and was stationed in Yuma, Arizona. In Yuma, he met the love of his life, Cheryl Kelly and they married in 1967. Their oldest daughters, Stacey and Tricia were born in Yuma before the family went on some adventures moving around California. They resided in Santa Clara, Gardena and San Diego prior to heading out to Maryland in 1971. In Maryland, Richard unexpectedly found his calling when he joined the Washington, D.C. Fire Department as a firefighter. During his four years of service with the Washington, D.C. department, he and Cheryl added two more loves, their youngest daughters Courtney and Leeanne.  After a few snowy winters, the family returned home to sunny Yuma, Arizona. Richard signed on with the Yuma Fire Department in 1977 and retired as an engineer in 2006. Richard's dedication to serving others also included 22 years in the Army National Guard.  During this time, he completed many missions but the biggest was in Desert Storm. He retired from the National Guard in 1996.

Richard never met a stranger and enjoyed talking and sharing stories with all his buddies. He took great pleasure in getting people to laugh even if it was at his own expense because making others happy brought him tremendous joy. Throughout his life, he made strong and lasting friendships that created an extended family. Many of those friendships are still thriving after all these years. Richard loved to listen to many genres of music that included many greats such as: The Commodores, James Brown, Sade, CCR, The Eagles, Hall & Oats and John Cougar Mellencamp. He loved to sing along, dance and often played air guitar or saxophone much to the girl's embarrassment.

His proudest accomplishment was his loving family.  He was the best girl dad ever, even before being a girl dad was cool.  He would do anything for his four "little women" and Cheryl, remaining fiercely protective to his final days. Richard was a dedicated and loving husband, married to Cheryl for 57 marvelous years. At 20 years of age when they met, Richard welcomed Cheryl's guidance and instruction throughout their life and endlessly sought her approval. From the young age of 18, Cheryl was always Richard's guiding light. Richard and Cheryl were at each other's sides for the last 60 years, although he has gone before her there is no doubt that he will be patiently waiting for her arrival at the pearly gates of Heaven. Strength of faith and love of family and friends was the greatest legacy of Richard's life. He is loved by many and will be missed by all.

He is survived by his loving wife Cheryl and their daughters: Stacey Mesa, Tricia Long, Courtney Long, Leeanne Lagunas and Son-in-law, Michael Mesa.  He leaves behind granddaughters; Kyleigh Garwood, Audra Mesa; great grandchildren Isaias, Leianna and Aunie Rodriguez who will all miss their "Papa" very much. His sister MaryBeth Murray, brother Michael Long (Linda) and sister-in-law Vickie Long.  His brother/sister's in-law Regan & Carol Kelly and Deborah Ramirez.  He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and treasured friends that have become family over the years.

He is proceeded in death by his father and mother, brother David Long, and son in-law James Lagunas.

Pallbearers:

Michael Mesa

Steve Wyant

Jeff Zahn

Steve Irr

Mike McCoy

Artie Castricone

Phil Rodriguez

Larry Simmons

Cesar Dominguez

Chris Moore

Bill Kereluk

Joe Waterford

Honorary Pallbearers:

Regan Kelly, Yuma Fire Department

David Long*, James Lagunas*, Arnold Trujillo*

A viewing will be held at Desert Valley Mortuary from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M. on Friday, December 27th, 2024 with rosary at 7:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, December 28th at 9:00 A.M. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Hansen House @ thehansenhouse.org/make-a-donation/.

Following the services, a gathering for family and friends will be held at Leeanne Lagunas' home at 5670 East 38th Place - Terra Bella.