Kenneth William Long, age 86, passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026.
He was born in Harrisburg, PA, on Aug. 11, 1940, a son of the late George W. and Luvine (Fowles) Long. He was also predeceased by a brother, Richard Long. On Aug. 26, 1961, he was wed to the former Gerri Pearson, who survives.
Kenneth graduated from Valparaiso University in Indiana with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked as an Illinois registered Professional Engineer for Underwriter Laboratories in Northbrook, Illinois, for 43 years. He began in 1962 in the Electrical Dept, testing many appliances for safety, and ended his career in the Hazardous Locations Dept. He also served on an NFPA Committee that develops national safety standards.
He met his wife, Gerri, at Valpo. After graduation in 1962, they moved to the western suburbs of Chicago. In 1969, he and Gerri moved to Lombard, Illinois, where they lived for 46 years, raising their family. He was involved with his sons in the Lombard Boys Baseball League and with his sons and daughter in the Lombard YMCA Indian Guides and Princesses program. After retiring, he built his “off the grid” home in West Sparta, New York. He and Gerri moved to West Sparta in 2008. Electricity was brought to the home in 2026. Ken loved nature, taking a family camping trip to Allegany State Park every year. He loved his family dearly and will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Gerri, their children—Wayne P. (Sue) Long, Christopher A. (Randi) Long, Karen J. (Eric) Larson, Thomas R. (Tricia) Long, a brother, Steven (Beth) Long, and nine grandchildren—James, Crystal, Catherine (Zachary), Brian (Abby), Michelle, Alex (Anna), Justin, Emma and Evan.
A Celebration of Kenneth’s life was held on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 21, Clara Barton St., Dansville, NY 14437. Arrangements by the Hindle Funeral Home Inc., 271 Main St., Dansville, NY 14437.
