Joseph William Long

Joseph William Long of Washington, died Friday, December 13, 2013, in Donnell House. He was 90 years old. Mr. Long was a life-long educator who loved his family dearly. He spent his life serving others, working with children and welcoming people from all walks of life into his life with open arms—or quite likely the “wood-cutters handshake” and a quick joke. Mr. Long was born April 15, 1923, in Lock Haven to John Franklin Long and Esther McCormick Long. He was a Veteran of World War II, serving in Europe as a Chaplain’s assistant in the Army. He earned his Master’s degree from Penn State University and went on to serve as the Superintendant of McGuffey School District for 12 years. Mr. Long loved music and played the organ and piano in both the Methodist and Presbyterian churches in Claysville. On August 24, 1954, he married his wife of 59 years, Sarah Mapstone, who survives. After his retirement, they started and ran two small businesses together in the local area. Also surviving are three daughters, Amy Lough (Donald) of Wheeling, West Virginia, Mindy Little of Washington and Cindy Long of Nashville, Tennessee; seven grandchildren, Jared Lough, Derek Little (Mary Kate), Grant Dunham, Barrett Little (Sarah), Courtney Lough, Caleb Little, Ryan Dunham and Maggie Little; and two great-grandchildren, Jackson Little and Haven Lough. Deceased are two brothers, Edward and John Long; one sister, Florence Shollenberger; and a son-in-law, Dr. Marshall Little. Memorial donations may be made to Donnell House, Hospice Care of Washington Health System, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301, or to Washington Area Humane Society, PO Box 66, Eighty Four, PA 15330. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, December 23rd, in Claysville Presbyterian Church.