David Long

David Stephen Long loved to connect with people and bring friends together. A good listener and a great storyteller, he died with family by his side on September 7, 2023, at the age of 68.

Dave grew up in Philadelphia, and resided in Sellersville, PA. The youngest of the four children of George and Elizabeth Long. His brother, George (Pat) of Doylestown, and his sisters, Joan (Tom) Barnes of Huntingdon Valley PA and Rosemary (Ed) Rostick of Ambler PA and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews survive him. He maintained a solid crew of friends from the old neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia, who love to meet up and swap stories of their many years.

Dave earned a degree in Environmental Resource Management from Penn State and spent the bulk of his career at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. His work was varied and interesting, including inspecting small mining operations and investigating stream contamination. He was a devoted fly-fisherman, and loved the days he could mix work with the pleasure of being on a beautiful creek.
Throughout his life, he was a great host and a lively party guest. He liked nothing better than a good potluck dinner and the chance to share a beer and a bowl. A visit from an old friend, a Flyers game, a roast that needed to be eaten – Dave would take any excuse to bring people together for a good time. He was the guy who kept old friends from drifting apart.

Dave retired when muscular dystrophy made it increasingly hard for him to move through his day. Early on, he traveled extensively in the US and Europe with his devoted crew of Ropers. Later he moved to a Habitat for Humanity community in Bucks County, where caregivers, friends, family and neighbors helped him enjoy a full, comfortable life. He was determined to live on his own terms, in his own home. He created a yard lush with plants and birdlife, and led neighborhood beautification projects and was active in the Homeowner’s Association. His family wishes to thank his aides, Lori and Trish, for their many years of service.

In 2019, Dave adopted a service dog, Troop, who brought a real boost of joy to his life. Driving his motorized wheelchair, Dave always offered a friendly word to put people at ease and Troop helped him connect.

Dave had a photographic memory, which helped him relive his many adventures when his body became too restrictive for travel. He stayed on top of current events, and never lost his curiosity and interest in what other people were thinking and doing.

For his many friends and loving family, Dave is an inspiration for how to stay upbeat and keep striving for a full, happy life in the face of serious physical challenges. Consistent with his wishes, the family has chosen to honor him privately, but it is expected that in the near future there will be announced a gathering of his many friends to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to Susquehanna Service Dogs www.khs.org or Habitat for Humanity Bucks County www.habitatbucks.org

To share a memory of Dave, please visit www.tjfluehr.com