On February 27, 2024 Robert “Rob” Warren DeLong Jr., 50, and his cancer tumor (nicknamed Arnold) called a truce and died after 18 months of togetherness. Rob is survived by his mom and stepfather, Diane and Richard Copley of Memphis; his father, Robert “Bob” DeLong Sr. of Orlando; his partner and a soulmate, Tracie Bertaut of Destrehan; his chosen family, Dave McFarland, Royann Smith, and the LaBowe family – Nichole and Lindsay; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins in Tennessee, as well as coworkers from Hancock Whitney Bank and dozens of friends who appreciated his humor and steadfastness.
Rob was smart in many ways and sassy most of the time. He took enormous pleasure in good food, which made his diagnosis of esophageal cancer particularly cruel. He was an avid fancy cheese connoisseur and loved a robust charcuterie board. His favorite though was chips and queso with a margarita to wash it down.
He enjoyed traveling, being at the beach, and playing with his girlfriend’s dogs, Mudbug and Bella. He was a graduate of the University of Vermont and a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. His interests and passions were varied throughout his life – high school lacrosse, Dungeons & Dragons, painting miniatures, golf, and cooking. He had mastered the art and science of frying a turkey. Friendsgiving will never be the same without him.
By nature and profession, Rob was risk adverse and didn’t like leaving anything to chance, yet he played the lottery every week and rarely used an alarm clock. While he hated phones in theaters, wearing long pants, and drivers who don’t use blinkers, he loved corn in any form, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and grocery shopping at Robert’s on Tuesday evening.
A loyal Kansas City Chiefs fan for decades, Rob appreciated that the team pulled off the Super Bowl win for him. The game was to be the last thing he watched on television. He wasn’t particularly great at Fantasy Football but enjoyed being in the same league with friends for the last 25 years. Born in Winter Park, FL, he lived in Memphis, TN; Pelham Manor, NY; Middletown Springs and Burlington, VT; Atlanta, GA; Cary, NC; Birmingham, AL; and New Orleans, LA.
To honor and remember him, family, friends, and coworkers will gather at Carretas Grill, 2320 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002, on March 9, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. for chips and queso and a round or two of margaritas.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5