Obituary of Henry Long

Henry Long, age 93, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Plainfield, Mr. Long resided in North Plainfield, before moving to Watchung. He served on the North Plainfield Planning Board and was inducted into the Plainfield Hall of Fame; along with Milt Campbell, whom he hired and mentored as a teenager seeking summer employment. Mr. Long proudly served in the United States Army Air Corps, 15th Air Force, in World War II, as his father did in World War I. He was a man of peace who fought against tyranny. Long set the Air Force flying record, by completing 50 combat missions in 65 days. He volunteered and was selected by Major Ascani to fly in the lead plane on a Top Secret Classified Mission into Nazi occupied Czechoslovakia, to support the Slovak National Uprising. His crew landed behind enemy lines to bring supplies and rescue flyers, and leaders of the uprising. This heroic act earned him a Distinguished Flying Cross, many years after the mission was de-classified, as well as honorary citizenship by the President of Slovakia. Henry Long, a successful developer and builder, who believed in social justice; always considered how his projects would better the community, whether it be affordable homes, apartment buildings, professional buildings, or commercial properties like Somerset Square in North Plainfield. He often finalized a building project with a handshake, as he did with his friend of 65 years, Max Rosenbach. Mr. Long loved horseracing and owned racehorses. He also enjoyed the laughs and camaraderie with old neighborhood friends at the local coffee shop each morning. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Louise (Grausso) Long, a daughter, Marlene Long of Watchung, and a son, Henry Michael Long, of Warren. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 13th, 2017, from 3-8 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. Funeral services will begin on Friday, July 14th, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a graveside service at St. Mary's Stony Hill Cemetery, Plainfield Avenue, Watchung. Donations may be made in his loving memory to a charity of your choice.