John Francis Long

John F. Long of Valley Cottage, NY, 78 years old, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2024. He is survived by his daughter (Kathleen Matteotti) and son (Thomas) and son and daughter in-law (Chris and Tara). He is also survived by five grandchildren (Chris, Cate, Casie, Kayleigh and Owen), his brother (Thomas) and wife (Maureen), and sister in-law and brother in-law (Kathy and Ronald Lofrese). He was predeceased by his loving wife, Anne. He greatly valued his time with his family whether it be at dinners, holidays or at the family beach house on Long Beach Island. One of his favorite past times was watching his children play sports as they grew up, attending every game and he carried on this tradition by going to as many events of his grandchildren becoming well known on every field. Not only did John value his family, but he greatly valued his friendships, some of which began in the South Bronx lasting a lifetime and others that began when he and Anne moved to Rockland County to start a family in the 1970s.

John was born in Bronx, NY to Thomas and Anne Long on April 2, 1946. John was a proud alumnus of Rice High School where he played basketball and made life-long friends. After high school, John joined the United States Marine Corp. in 1965 and in 1968 joined the New York City Police Department. John went on to have a decorated career in the police department retiring in 1991. After retirement, John proudly took on the role of stay-at-home dad and became a fixture through his children in the St. Anthony’s and Albertus Magnus communities.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, October 9, 2024 from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service, Inc., 321 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956. A funeral mass will occur Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, 36 W Nyack Rd, Nanuet, NY 10954.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a donation be made in John’s name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org)