Thomas Patrick Long

Thomas Patrick Long, known affectionately to many as Papa Tubie, Tom, Tommy, or Tube, among other whimsical nicknames, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 30, 2022 at the age of 76. He was surrounded with the love and support of his wife, Ekaterini “Katina” (Sgontzou) Long; children, Christina Marie (Long) Mol, Jack Browning Long, and Bart Mol; grandchildren, Alexis Marie Long, Blake Andrew Long, Elaina Ann Mol, Julia Ekaterini Mol, Molly Lynn Hough, and Joseph Michael Hermida.

Tom was born in Akron, Ohio, on June 2, 1946 to Walter Francis Long and Margaret Mary “Margie” Pallick. The family, including siblings William, Walter, Margaret, and John settled in East Lansing, Michigan.

Through his remarkable storytelling skills, we know his childhood was filled with humorous sibling antics, friends with fun nicknames, and his love/hate relationship with vehicles from his “Tubie’s Terror,” a 1953 Oldsmobile to “The Orange Peeler” scooter and more. His storytelling gave rise to many catch phrases that live on in the minds and hearts of all who were blessed to hear them.

He attended the University of Detroit, then later Lawrence Technical Institute, graduating with an Associates Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He loved science so much that he kept his college physics textbook and also retained his drafting tools, all of which he used later in life.

Drafted into military service with the United States Army, he proudly served from 1968 to 1970. Stationed in Athens, Greece he became fluent in the Greek language and described his role as a human PowerPoint for the generals, using his balance of technical and creative skills.

While serving in Greece, he met his bride, Katina. They married on May 28, 1970 in both Catholic and Greek Orthodox ceremonies. They toured Europe in a Mini Cooper as a honeymoon and received a family sendoff from the UK. She survives him after 52 years of marriage.

Beginning with a college co-op experience with Federal Mogul Corporation, he was a committed employee for 39 years of that single company as a Draftsman and later a Sales Engineer through his retirement in 2007. A proud moment was when a major customer said, “We need 10 more Tom Longs.”

Tom was a natural teacher, always talking through whatever he was doing, imparting knowledge. He merged creative expression and logical reasoning. His hobbies were varied. Outdoor hobbies included camping, hunting, and fishing. Intellectual pursuits included astronomy and amateur radio. Blended interests like photography and music recording captivated his leisure.

Tom was a great partner for any kind of handy project. He imparted a talent and passion for automotive restoration to his children and friends, spending many hours on various Volkswagen restoration projects. Music was flowing from morning to night. He was a Godfather to nephew James Tocco. He was an avid Peoria Prancers and Peoria Rivermen hockey fan. Always handy with a camera, sports photography became a passion with his grandchildren. Born into a Catholic family he later joined his wife and children in the Greek Orthodox church, attending services as a family.

From a young age, he held a dream of having a cabin in the northern woods of Michigan. Annual primitive tent camping trips indoctrinated his children, their friends, and his grandchildren to the same desire. That wish became reality in 2014 and he was able to spend many years enjoying the quiet peace of nature in Michigan, experiencing the Northern Lights from the comfort of his home on Avery Lake. He savored the beauty there and was a dear friend of many lake dwellers.

Tom’s heart health issues plagued him for many years. A battle with prostate cancer was fought well, but finally, Covid-19 took its toll on his body.

He will be remembered forever by his family and friends as a special man.

The funeral service will be held at 5:00 pm, Thursday, November 10, 2022 at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria, with a meal to follow. Visitation will be 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, also Thursday, November 10, 2022 at the funeral home. Committal service with full military honors will be at noon, Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Lansing, Michigan.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.woolsey-wilton.com.