Gary Long

Gary Sherman Long, Shippensburg, passed away Saturday April 29th in his home after a valiant 20 month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Plainfield, PA, the son of the late Virginia Kunkleman Long and Sherman Long.

As a youngster, Gary continued the family tradition of excelling in baseball. His baseball playing days began in the Newville Little League because Shippensburg did not yet have an organized little league. Gary helped lead his Newville team to Williamsport on more than one occasion. Years later, he would vividly recall names, scores, and statistics from those long-ago games.

A 1958 graduate of Shippensburg High School, Gary lettered in football (given the nickname “The Toe” for his kicking skill), basketball, and of course baseball. He gained statewide recognition when he was chosen as an American Legion East-West all star. The ultimate reward was the thrill of playing in Connie Mack Stadium, at the time the home of the Philadelphia Athletics and Phillies.

As a young man, Gary began a very long and rewarding career, settling in on the ground floor of the early computer industry. He took his job working for the federal government very seriously. He worked at the Department of Agriculture’s Washington D.C. location before beginning his tenure at the Letterkenny Army Depot; where he spent 34 years as a Computer Operator, Programmer, and Computer Analyst. Upon retiring from the government Gary served as a private consultant, before ending his work career as “Gary in the Dairy” at Weis Market in Shippensburg. He loved meeting with and talking with the many people who came in to the store. He loved arguing about sports with everyone.

Gary is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sally Naugle Long and their three sons: Todd M. Long (wife Marjean), Lancaster, Patrick D. Long (wife Jennifer), Bloomsburg, and Kirk R. Long, Shippensburg. Granddaughters: Jordan Elizabeth Carta (husband Matthew Carta), Madison Alexa Long (fiancé Alex Stam), and Cassidy Ann Long. Grandsons: Ryan Patrick Long and Tyler Damion Long. One great-grandchild: Connor Michael Carta.
Sisters: Donna Fickes (husband Tarrie Fickes) and Sharon Eby (Husband Jim Eby) and nieces: Virginia Elliott and Jamie Lake and their families. Lastly, Gary is survived by his dog Zoe and grand dog Kimber, who faithfully remained by Gary’s side during his illness.

As an adult, Gary was a star of the old Blue Mountain baseball league for many years. He also played church softball, bowled, and also was a very successful golfer.
Gary eagerly passed on his love of sports to his three sons. After a long day, he would quickly eat dinner and then spend the rest of the evening catching, hitting ground balls, throwing batting practice, rebounding missed shots, or throwing the football with his boys.

Eventually, Gary was able to expand his influence beyond his own family. His impact was felt through the whole Shippensburg community, coaching little league sports for many years.
As the boys grew older and continued their athletic careers in high school and college, Gary became a long distance coach; the most important one in their lives.

After many years dedicated to their children, Gary and Sally began to experience life, as they traveled to most of the United States, Canada, Alaska, Germany (numerous times), and most of Europe. Just two kids from Walnut Bottom and Cleversburg “seeing the world.”

Gary’s Celebration of Life will be held Saturday May 13th at the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home and Crematorium, Inc. Visitation to be held from 10:00 to 11:00 am; followed by a service.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Residential Hospice, 100 Sterling Parkway Suite 110, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.fogelsanger-brickerfuneralhome.com.