William James Long

William James Long, age 81, passed away July 26, 2023, at home with his wife and daughter at his side. Born on September 19, 1941 in his grandmother’s Somers Point home, he was raised in Ocean City. He joined the US Air Force and was stationed in Bangor Maine where he met and married Suzanne (nee Smith), the only woman he ever loved. It was in Maine they began their family before moving back to Ocean City in 1963. In 1969 they moved to Bargaintown to “live in the woods” and raise their three daughters.

Bill was an only child (and sometimes it showed). He lost his mother Alma when she was just 48 and was determined to live his own life exactly how he wanted. He was stubborn and loyal. He never aspired to be well liked, only well respected.

Bill & Sue enjoyed going to concerts and attended many. Much time was spent in “The Keys” before and after retiring from the NJ State Police as a Lieutenant, after 25 years of service. They retired in 1992 and moved to Key Largo which they called homebase for ten years while travelling the country. These were extremely happy years spent fishing and entertaining friends, neighbors and guests with wonderful food and handcrafted cocktails on the lanai.

In 2001 Bill and Sue moved to Sun City Center, FL to be closer to family and other “old retired Troopers”. He was a great story teller and spent many good times laughing with family and friends. He was a foodie who became quite a capable cook. He also enjoyed trying restaurants featured on The Food Network.

Bill was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important — the simplicity of living an honest life with those you love.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Suzanne Long, with whom he has three daughters, Karen Rose (Bill) of Dade City, FL, Leslie Long of Somers Point, NJ and Jennifer Wildman (Chris) of Linwood, NJ. He taught them many life skills including how to change a flat tire, choosing the proper tool from the workbench and how to drive. Most importantly he taught them to work hard, be tough, think for themselves and to just be thankful. He took great pride in his 5 grandchildren; Tyler, Haley, Dylan, Zack & Steven. Grandpa enjoyed spending time with them and watching them grow into fine members of society. Bill is also survived by 4 great grandchildren.

He had an irrational fear that his family would write a long obituary that included things nobody cares about. Sorry Dad…this is our final act of defiance. He rarely attended funerals and was firm about not wanting one himself. Therefore, he has been cremated and his ashes will be spread on the coasts of Maine, New Jersey and the Florida Keys. His family will hold a party in his honor featuring his favorite cocktails and foods.

We ask that you raise a margarita, pina colada or liquored up coffee in his honor. The family would also like to thank Dr. W. and the LifePath Hospice staff who assisted with his care the last 6 months, especially Patricia.