Pillar of the Business Community Passes

Gary A. Long, 63, of Manchester, NH, died August 8, 2014, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness.

Born in Adrien, Minnesota on June 12, 1951, he was the son of Cyril and Lucille (Kuhl) Long. He was raised in Albuquerque, NM and resided in the Queen City since 1976.

Long earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from New Mexico State University as well as a master of science degree in electrical engineering from Northeastern University. He served with the United State Air Force where he held the rank of first lieutenant.

Long began his career at Public Service Company of New Hampshire in 1976 holding various positions in economic development, customer service, regulatory affairs, governmental relations, and corporate communications. In 2000, he was appointed president and chief operating officer, a position he held until recently.

A man of faith, Long was an active communicant of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Most recently, he was a member of Saint Pius X Church.

He was known for his involvement in the community and held numerous appointed positions with nonprofit, community and economic development organizations. He was a member of the advisory board with the Council of Junior Achievement for many years. He served on the board of directors with Amoskeag Industries, the Business and Industry Association of NH, Heritage United Way, NH Business Committee for the Arts, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, and Citizens Bank. He was a graduate of Leadership NH and the Exeutive Director Stephen Reno of that organization said on Monday, "With the precision and clear thinking of an engineer, but with the gentle, self-effacing touch of a true gentleman, Gary intersected so many of our lives over the years. One could
always call on him and know that he'd do his best to help."

Long was also active with Easter Seals of NH and served as a judge with US First. He enjoyed coaching youth soccer at Manchester South Soccer League.

In 2006, Gary was selected Business Leader of the Year by Business NH magazine.

Long was a loving, devoted, and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, who enjoyed family life. He will be remembered for his warm and selfless ways. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Family members include his wife of 40 years, Mary K. (Hanafin) Long; his two sons, Thomas A. Long and his wife, Sarah, of Portland, ME, and Timothy L. Long and his wife, Erin Sidebotham, of Nashua; his daughter, Martha K. Long and her husband, Marc Bozenski, of Exeter; his two grandchildren, Lily and James; his mother of Albuquerque, NM; three brothers, Jeffrey Long, Christopher Long, and Daniel Long; four sisters, Gail Long, Cheryl McCafferty, Beth Head and Teresa Chavez; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was predeceased by two brothers, Gregory Long and David Long.

Services: Calling hours are Tuesday from 3 to 8 PM at the Connor-Healy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 537 Union Street, corner of Concord Street, Manchester, NH.

The funeral will be held Wednesday with a mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at 10 AM in Saint Pius X Church, Candia Road, Manchester.

Due to flower allergies, please omit flowers. Memorial donations may be made to the Greater Manchester Habitat for Humanity, 250 Commercial Street, Suite 4019, Manchester, NH 03101 or to Maryknool Society, Po Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 01545-0302.