Robert L. Long, 88, of Hebron, husband of the late Elizabeth (Lagan) Long, died Friday (February 20, 2004) at Middlesex Memorial Hospital in Middletown. He was born June 4, 1915 in Hartford, the son of Harry and Lottie (Longley) Long and had lived in Bloomfield for many years before moving to Hebron in 1981 where he was a member of the Church of the Holy Family.

He was employed by Chris Nielsen and Sons in Bloomfield and then by A.C. Petersen Farms in West Hartford from which he retired. Mr. Long was a World War II veteran serving with the Eighth Air force in England and then served in the U.S.A.F. Reserves retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

He was active in numerous community organizations. Robert was a Past Master of Tunxis Grange #13 P of H in Bloomfield, honored for 60 years of membership in 1993, Past Master of Farmington Valley Pomona #11 and a member of the State and National Grange. He was a past president of the Bloomfield Lions Club, as a past president of the Reserve Officers Association of Hartford and was a life member of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States. Mr. Long was also a life member of the Farmington V.F.W. #10361 and served as a member of the board of directors of the New Hebron Cemetery Association.

He is survived by a daughter, Barbara E. Long of Rockville, MD; four sisters, Betty Hunter of Canton, Evelyn Bradford of Norfolk, VA, Shirley Ellis of Sanford, NC, Marilyn H. Long of Bloomfield; two grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, at the Church of the Holy Family, 185 Church St., Rte. 85, Hebron. Burial will be private in the New Hebron Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Holy Family or the Ambulance Fund c/o Hebron Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 911, Hebron, CT 06248. The Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic assisted with arrangements.

Please visit www.potterfh.com for online memorial guestbook.