Obituary of Richard Long

Richard Hyland Long, 72, of Manchester, the fiancé of Linda Bride, died on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Hartford Hospital. Richard was born at W.W. Backus Hospital on January 26, 1948 to the late Lester Long and Anne Kallio Long of Voluntown.  Rich was an avid sports enthusiast. He played Jewett City Little League and during his high school career he excelled at basketball, baseball and golf. He was voted “Class Athlete” for the class of 1966 at Griswold High School. In addition, he was an excellent bowler while on a team for Tamarck Lodge in Voluntown.  After high school Rich graduated from Dean Junior College in Franklin, Massachusetts. He attended West Virginia State College before going to work for Traveler’s Insurance Company in Hartford. Rich will be remembered for his quick wit, his charismatic charm and his enduring love of sports. He is survived by his daughter Jenifer Weir (Long) and her husband Mike of East Hartford, his ex-wife Barbara Long of Clearwater, FL, his mother Anne Long of Voluntown, his brother L. Scott Long and his wife Sharon of Griswold, his cousins Linda Anderson Large, Karen Lovequist, and John, Ray and Jeanette Kallio and the love of his life Linda Bride who gave him devoted care for the last two years. He is also survived by his stepchildren Kristen Fitzpatrick and her husband James, Emmy Nelson and her husband Scott, Jeremy Bride and his wife Angela, Eric Bride and his girlfriend Becky and Kevin Bride; and his step-grandchildren Torrie and Zachary Fitzpatrick, Rachel and Joseph Nelson, Austin Bride and Hannah Bride. He will rest in peace at Pachaug Cemetery in Griswold. Due to the corona virus a celebration of Richard’s life will be held when we are able to gather as family and friends. The John F. Tierney Funeral Home, Manchester has care of arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.