Christian R. Long

Christian Robert Long, Jr., 91, passed away surrounded by his loving family on May 24, 2015, at Columbia Cottage, Campbelltown. Born on March 12, 1924 in Harpers, PA, he was the son of the late Christian Adam Long, Sr. and Mary Hoover Long. He grew up in Lawn. Christian was a proud US Army Veteran of WWII, seeing front-line service in Europe with the 44th Infantry Division. During Occupation he served with the military police and, because he spoke Pennsylvania Dutch, was assigned as an interpreter to a U.S. Army officer in Germany. After the war, he was determined to learn a trade. He worked as a carpenter for Carlos Adams in Hershey for over 40 years building and renovating homes and other properties. Christian, who was known as “Christ” (pronounced “Krist”), was a lifetime member of The American Legion. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and trapping. His love of the outdoors, and carpentry skills, enabled him, and his sons, to buy land and build a hunting cabin in Sullivan County, primarily using recycled building materials. He also built his own home, as well as constructing and renovating residences, decks and boat docks for his children. Christian was a devoted father and husband; he and Pearl Weaver Long of Palmyra were married April 27, 1947 and she preceded him in death on January 14, 1995. They reared their family in Campbelltown. Christian is survived by his children: Christian Robert Long III, and wife, Maureen, of Hershey; Michael Scott Long and wife, Amy, of North Lebanon Township; Steven Gerald Long and wife, Frances, of Palmyra; and Donna Jean and husband, David Brightbill, of West Cornwall Township. He is also survived by the following grandchildren: Christian Robert Long IV (Michelle Mejia Long); Michael Casey Long (Jessica Gardner Long) and Jessica Marie Long; Matthew Evan Long (Rachel Chumney Long) and Elizabeth Ann Long; and Christian McMichael Brightbill and Adam Robert Brightbill. Great grandchildren are Justin Long, Jacob Long, Victor Long, Mariana Long, and Samantha Long. Surviving step-grandchildren are Megan Kemp, Emily Rowe and Shane Rowe, J. David Brightbill (Rose), Jonathan Brightbill (Nicole) and Andrew Brightbill. Step great grandchildren are Hanna, Jacob, Tamsin, Charles (Chip) and Davis Brightbill. He was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Connie Henry Long, and a sister, Kathryn Long Daniels (Guy). The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Columbia Cottage for the excellent care, love and compassion that was given to Christian and his family. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 29, 2015 at 11 a.m. from the Kreamer Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 618 E. Main Street, Annville. Interment will be in Grand View Memorial Park, with full military honors. There will be a visitation from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Christian’s memory for a memorial pole to fly the flag of the United States in Campbelltown Community Park. Contributions can be sent to South Londonderry Township -- flagpole, P.O. Box 3, Campbelltown, Pa 17010. PDF Printable Version