Henry Long Obituary

Henry Edward Long

May 6, 1925 - August 3, 2025

Henry was born in Sloansville, NY son of the late Edward and Marian Long. He graduated early from Mt. Pleasant HS and joined the Marines at age 17. During WWII, he was a Drill Instructor at Parris and served in the South Pacific as a second pilot.

After WWII, he returned to Albany, NY and married Helen Smith, his wife of 65 years. He worked as an insurance salesman for Wausau Insurance Company, retiring after 30 years. He loved to fly and owned several planes. They retired to Deland, FL and traveled in their RV across the US. They enjoyed boating on the Chesapeake. He served as a Citizen Patrol Officer for Volusia County for 10 years. After Helen died in 2015, he moved to Madison, WI to be near family. In 2018 he went on the Badger Honor Flight. This July 1 he was thrilled to go on the WWII Dream Flight celebrating his 100th birthday. Hank was a friend to many. A proud Marine who loved cars, planes, boats and country.

He is survived by daughter, Starlett (Michael) Pfiffner; grandchildren Brent (Stephanie) Pfiffner, Scott Pfiffner, and Nicole (Luke) Davis; great grandchildren Bennett and Vivienne Pfiffner. Also survived by stepson James (Kathleen) Bauer and grandson Devon; nephews Richard (Susan) Nelson, Gary (Kathy) Nelson, and David (Lyn) Nelson; and sister-in-law, Inez Smith. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; sister, Emma Nelson and grandson, Reid Pfiffner.

Thanks to the staff at Four Winds Verona and Agrace for their care his final years.

A service will be held at Sunset Funeral Home, Machesney Park, IL on Friday, August 8. Burial at Oaklawn Park Cemetery in Florida.

Memorials to St. Joseph Indian School at give.stjo.org or Dream Flights at dreamflights.org.