Ernest Long

Ernest Eugene Long, 87, passed away October 9, 2024.

Ernie was born on March 26, 1937, to the late Marion and Lena (Baughman) Long. In his childhood years, he delivered newspapers, raced in the soap box derby, and scooped ice cream at Chestnut Ridge Dairy.

After Ellet High School, he joined Locals #70 and #30 where he began his HVAC apprenticeship while learning sheet metal, worked for Nester HVAC before opening Season Masters, and eventually started Long Heating & Cooling. Ernie was a cook for 6 years in the Army National Guard. He was a Lionel train collector, drag raced across the country with the Kam Jammers, and was the Director of the Stark-Portage Counties Soap Box Derby.

He loved traveling on the weekends with his kids as they began their derby careers and enjoyed watching them keep track of how many "honkers" they could each get from passing truck drivers. Ernie beamed with pride as both of his kids won their respective divisions in the 1982 Stark-Portage County local race and went on to compete in the 1982 All- American Soap Box Derby as one of the first brother/sister duos to represent the area.

He was a resident figure at Kristen's basketball games and Scott's track meets. One of his favorite places to spend weekends with his kids was at his "cabin" at Salt Fork where many pots of cabbage soup were created, and many Long Island Ice Teas were enjoyed.

He is finally reunited with his son, Scott Long, who passed away in 1992, and whom he deeply missed every day.

Ernie is survived by his daughter, Kristen (Dale) Handley and four grandchildren.

Visitation will be 5 until 7 p.m., Monday, October 14, 2024 at the Donovan Funeral Home-Mogadore, 34 S. Cleveland Ave., Mogadore.

Private burial will take place at Greenwood Cemtery.