Obituary of Ronald J. Long

Ronald J. Long, age 75, beloved husband and soul-mate of Nancy Antignani Long of Stratford, passed away on Thursday, December 27, 2018 at St. Vincent’s Medical Center with his loving family by his side.  Born in Ann Arbor, MI on April 2, 1943, he was the son of the late Francis and Ruth Olson Long and was a longtime resident of Michigan before moving to Bridgeport.  Ron was a graduate of Trenton High School, class of 1961 in Trenton, MI and then attended Tri State College in Angola, IN. Ron forever cherished his memories of the Lake House where he learned to swim and fish from Bart and Bobbie, special family friends who were always near and dear to his heart.

A strapping 6’4” man he was a fantastic athlete in the sports of track, basketball & football.  He was a huge fan of all sports especially boxing, college & pro football – and favorite teams were Michigan Wolverines and the Detroit Lions.

Ron was a veteran of the United States Air Force who served his country with honor.  He was based in Alaska during the Cold War and his duties were to monitor radar frequencies.  By trade he was a building contractor and skilled carpenter for many years and held several other occupations before his retirement. 

Ron was a strong and principled man who had a love of nature and animals.  He had a particular fondness for birds, especially swans.  He enjoyed setting up bird feeders in the yard of his home that he shared with the love of his life Nancy, for many years.  He loved hosting parties for family and friends, most notably his fantastic pool/barbeque parties in the summer.  He was a great cook and enjoyed cooking many of his Mom’s special recipes.

Ron was an avid reader who favored tales of the old west.  He had an extensive movie collection including all the movies of his favorite actor, John Wayne.  Ron had many interests and traditions such as the yearly trips to Lake Waramaug in New Preston, CT.  When not out trying new restaurants, going to the movies and gathering with friends, he enjoyed relaxing at home watching all his favorite TV shows.

Ron was a special man, generous and giving, who devoted his love, attention and life to his wife, family, extended family and the many close friends he made when he made CT his new home. He was an honest, no-nonsense man with a gust for life and an engaging laugh.  He was a brave man who met all challenges of life with an honesty and truth that is a rarity, especially as he faced his mortality.  His last words to Nancy were how much he loved her and that he wished he had another 20 years with her.

In addition to his loving wife Nancy of 26 years (married for 11), survivors include two sisters, Carol Ohm of OH and Susan Arble and her husband Patrick of MI, 10 nieces and nephews and seven great nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law, James Antignani, John Antignani and sister-in-law, Teresa Antignani.  He was predeceased by his brothers-in-law, Richard Ohm, Louis Antignani, Joseph Antignani, sisters-in-law, Diana Antignani Goldstein, and Joan Antignani Mantone, Mother and Father-in-laws, Nicolina and Ralph Antignani.

On behalf of Ron, Nancy would like to thank the following for their loving, compassionate care: Dr. Forrester Lee and his nurse Cheryl from Yale New Haven Hospital; Dr. Neal Fischbach & his wonderful staff at Yale-Park Ave.; Dr. Benjamin Weisman & staff, all the nurses from St. Vincent’s Infusion Center, especially Patty and Nan; Stratford VNA nurse Hillary Rice; and the 8^th floor ICU nurses who so lovingly cared for Ron in his final days.

Friends can greet the family on Thursday from 4-6 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. A prayer service will take place on Thursday night at 5:30 p.m. in the funeral home.  Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family through the funeral home.