John Patrick Long

John Patrick Long passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, while in care at Bayonet Point Hospital. Throughout the day he was able to talk to family and friends. He even got to see his favorite football team Buffalo Bills play in one last playoff game.

John was born in Niagara, NY, on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1954. He was preceded in death by his mother, Frances Rose Stanley, father, Richard Joseph Long, and wife, Janice Rae Long. John lived in Niagara for 25 years and graduated from Niagara University with a bachelor's in business.

John moved to Florida in 1979 and shortly after met his future wife, Janice. They were married for over 4 decades and together they raise three children, (twins) Janie Rea Groulx (Long), Jamie Rhea Long & younger sister, Jennifer Rose Long. John also has five grandchildren (Kiev, Ellis, Isabella, Beckham, Calum) and is survived by his brother, Richard Long & cousin Frances Klein.

John spent 23 years working at the last independent Coca-Cola distributor in Tarpon Springs, FL where he gained more than just colleagues but lifelong friends. John also loved anything to do with guns. He had his own gun shop when he first moved to FL, taught Concealed Weapons courses, and ended his career journey at Mike Jones gun shop in Hudson, FL.

John loved music, German shepherds, and the outdoors. From a young age, John loved going to concerts. He instilled this passion into his children as well. He went to over 200 concerts and his all-time favorite show was Rush, Clockwork Angels, at the Ford Amphitheater in FL. Outside music and guns, John was an active member in Boy Scouts America since 1966, Knights of Columbus, and Queen of Peace & St. James Catholic Church. John loved to travel (by car) and visited 45 states, 3 Canadian provinces, & the Bahamas. One of his biggest accomplishments, outside his children & grandchildren, was backpacking over 700 miles on the Appalachian Trail.

John, we’ll keep you with us, always, and we know you will watch over us. We miss you already, but we know you are where you belong, next to Jan’s side.

Family and friends that reside in Florida are invited to St. James Catholic Church on Friday, March 20th at 11 AM, for mass and reception in honor of John & Janice Long. In John’s memory, contributions can be made to Scouting America or American Diabetes Association in lieu of flowers.