William Long Jr.

William C. Long Jr., born April 11, 1939, in Carrolton, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018, at home in Mystic with family by his side.

He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Janet T. Long; and his parents, William C. Long and Ruth Pfefferkorn.

He is survived by his four children, son, Steven Long and his wife, Karen, of North Stonington, daughter, Pamela Schmeelk and her husband, William, of Stonington, son, Scott Long and his wife, Michelle, of Ledyard and son, Kevin Long and his wife, Karen, of East Hartford. He is also survived by six grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; his brother, Dennis Long of Tucson, Ariz.; and sister, Connie Shuler of Summerville, S.C.

After joining the Navy at 17, Bill spent 25 years active duty. While stationed on Nantucket, he met Janet True, who he married, and they spent 52 years together raising their four children. Duty stations brought he and his family from the east coast to the west coast to the Far East and back again, where he retired in 1983 and settled in Mystic. He then spent 14 years as an engineer’s assistant at Electric Boat before retiring for good in 1997.

Bill was very involved in the Boy Scouts of America serving as scout master for many years starting in San Diego, Calif., and then in Connecticut. He loved camping and backpacking and has hiked in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Appalachians and canoed the Maine wilderness with scouting.

He enjoyed traveling, skiing, fishing and golfing. Above all, he loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.

A visiting hour will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, followed by a service at 11 a.m. at the Christ United Methodist Church, 200 Hazelnut Hill Road, Groton. Following the service, Bill will be laid to rest at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Christ United Methodist Church of Groton or Navy Marine Corps Relief Fund.