I cannot believe that it has been a year since you left us, Donnie.  Ryan, please know that so many are continuing to hold you in the light & warmth of their prayers.  Not just on this one year remembrance, but always & forever.

Wherever you are, I know that your light is brilliant.  St. Peter must have opened the gates of heaven wide for you. What a positive example you set for all who encountered you on a daily basis.  You are sorely missed by those who appreciated your gifts, talents, generous spirit, and cherished your smile.  We thank God for your life and legacy.  Now you are an angel soaring the universe.

Ryan, my heart can't imagine the grief you feel. The times we all spent together was inspirational, fun, and mostly full of laughter. Donnie was your cornerstone, and I admire your strength and passion through the years. Your Brother, Mitch.

Although I knew him for a short period of time, he had a smile that would light up the room. His positive attitude always lifted my spirits. My thoughts and prayers remained with you after you guys left. I will continue to keep your family in prayer during this difficult time. (Sunshine SCC Dietary)

Dear Ryan. My condolences to you on Donald's passing.  I knew him from the 
1 Cleveland Cntr gym and the bar association.  Very sad.  He had a fantastic smile and great hair!  I was away for the memorial.  I don't believe that you and I have ever met.  Regards, Robert Rybka

Dear Ryan,
You have my deepest condolences.  I am so sad to hear that you have lost Donnie. As human beings go; he was a truely bright special star. I will never forget him. I have wonderful memories sharing lots of laughs with both of you when we were first neighbors in the village. *Now, Ryan, my thoughts and prayers will be with you at this very difficult time.  I'm here for you.

Donnie will forever be one of that group of kids who were part of what I like to think of as my "wonder years" in Ivy Park. Such lovely years!  And when we reconnected after many years he was kind and welcoming and gracious. He and Ryan welcomed me into their home as if we'd always stayed connected. Such a good man!  Love to you, my first best friend Jenni, and to your mom and to Ryan. The world has lost a wonderful human being, but how glad I am that I knew him!

I enjoyed working with Donnie when he was at the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association.  I will always remember his wonderful smile.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.

Dear Jenni, I was so sorry to hear about Donnie. I remember so many sleep overs when he was just the pesky little brother. But, it was with you and he and your Mom I saw Gone With the Wind still a favorite. And my first trip to Blossom. He was always fun and funny. And when I saw Kim J. this summer she said he was a great guy. Know many people will be thinking of you and your family today. Michelle Grafton

Dear Nan and Jenni: I was so sad to hear of Donnie's passing.  Though I haven't seen Donnie in years, I still remember his energy, dedication, and sense of humor well.  He was a good friend and teammate.  My family and I wish you well at this difficult time.

Donnie was both a consummate professional in his work and a consistent source of light and joy for all of us who encountered him. My prayers are with his loved ones. We will miss him.

Ryan, 
Donnie's smile and laughter and his giving nature, along with your love as a couple, will always be remembered and cherished!  Bill and I send our love, thoughts and prayers to you and the whole family.

I wish I had met you MUCH sooner than I did!  I will never forget the quizzical look on your face when you sang at our Cassidy "Night with our stars" production.  You had chosen a selection from Annie Get Your Gun & had flubbed the lyrics to something like, "Leather & lace."  It was to be a running joke with us for a long time after.  I will miss your warmth, your welcoming spirit, your talent, your joy.  Be at peace, friend.  We will see you again one day.

Ryan - I am so sorry to hear about this. You and Donnie played a big part in my last few years in Cleveland; we created some unforgettable memories together.  Few people are as kind and welcoming as Donnie was.  Even though we lost touch over the years I've always thought of you guys as good friends.  You'll be in my thoughts.

Donnie was one of a kind, a force of nature,  with boundless energy and positive spirit...

To Ryan and the Long Family,
Donnie was a great man. The Akron Bar Association will certainly miss Donnie's hard work, dedication, and cheerful personality.  I had the privilege of working with Donnie over the past few years and I will miss him.

I knew Donnie when he worked at the Cleveland Bar Association.  He was terrific at his job and was a real delight to be around.  I am so sorry to hear about his illness and his death.

To Ryan and the Long Family, Donnie was a great guy and a very talented performer. We will all miss him in the theatrical community. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Jenni,
So sorry to hear about your brother's passing. My sympathy to you and your family.

Dear Nan, Ryan and Jenni, I am so sorry. We will certainly not forget Donnie--he was so full of life.

OBITUARY

Donald R. Long

February 19, 1961 – November 9, 2012

Gattozzi & Son Funeral Home

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