Arthur J. Long

With utmost sadness, we announce the passing of Arthur J. Long of Wilkes-Barre. In the early hours of October 3, 2024, Arthur succumbed to his struggle with his many ailments in the presence of his loving family at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center of Wilkes-Barre, a battle fought with the vigor of a warrior. 

Born on February 20, 1953, in Wilkes-Barre, Arthur was the son of the late Arthur J. Long and Mary N. Knoss Long and the brother of the late Carol Long. Arthur started working on a farm as a young man, helping pack potatoes. He continued working until he enlisted in the United States Air Force at 17, serving in the Vietnam War. Arthur served in the Red Horse squadron doing construction work. During his tour, he earned two medals: The National Defense Medal and The Medal for Expeditionary Services for the Armed Forces. He served with valor, honor, and distinction. 

Honorably discharged, Arthur returned to Wilkes-Barre, where he found his career working for the Social Security Administration. Here, he met Mary Ann Kopiak, who would become his loving wife on October 12, 1991. He would always call Mary Ann his soulmate, and they shared an inseparable bond for thirty-three years. They would have three sons, David Patrick Long, Charles Arthur Long, and Arthur Michael Long. Arthur instilled his strong work ethic into them by being a great example. 

In 2014, he retired after thirty-five years of service to spend more time at home with his family and cat and on his passions and hobbies. Throughout his entire life, Arthur has loved cooking and especially loved having cookouts and grilling for his family. Baking sugar cookies for Christmas was a yearly tradition that Arthur found great pleasure in. He loved playing music and spent many hours listening to his CD, cassette, and vinyl collections. 

At heart, Arthur loved art, especially coloring. He spent countless hours coloring his many books and pages of animals, plants, and places. He enjoyed giving his pieces to his family and friends, who cherished them. Traveling and taking trips were other joys Arthur also found in retirement. Knoebel's and Frances Slocum State Park were some of his favorite places. He truly treasured the simple things in life and was thankful for all of life's blessings. 

As his retirement continued, Arthur's many health problems began to come to a head. Despite this, he never complained and continued to live life to its fullest. In faith he found solace. As a parishioner of Our Lady of Hope, he would religiously attend church until leaving the house became detrimental. As it became harder for him to visit God's House, he prayed the rosary more and would listen to Christian music to fill the void. Without fail, his oldest son David would bring him the Eucharist every Sunday when Arthur could not attend Mass. 

Arthur's family was the focal point of his life. He would do anything in his power to make them happy. He was proud of his three sons' many accomplishments and was proud to see them follow their ambitions. He did everything for them and for Mary Ann. 

His sister Carol, mother-in-law Margaret Kopiak, father-in-law Norman Kopiak, sister-in-law Norma Prenga, and brother-in-law Paul Rose preceded him in death. 

His loving wife Mary Ann, sons Dave and Charlie of Wilkes Barre and Little Art of Tennessee, sisters- and brothers-in-law Margaret Rose, Frances Warnagiris, Emily Kopiak, Norman Kopiak and wife Candace, Andrew Kopiak, and Edward Prenga, and other family and friends will miss him very much.

Our entire family is grateful to the many doctors and nurses and the entire staff of the VA Medical Center who worked tirelessly to help Arthur through his many health battles. You became a second family to him. A special thank you to his sister-in-law Margaret Rose for daily hospital visits, for which Arthur was very grateful. 

Celebration of Arthur's Life begins Wednesday, October 9, 2024 with visitation from 5 to 8 PM at McLaughlin's, 142 South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre. It continues there on Thursday, October 10, 2024 with gathering at 8:30 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in the Church of the Parish of Our Lady of Hope. 

Donations to the Disabled American Veterans, dav.org, are preferred and will honor Arthur's memory.

Share memories and condolences with Arthur's family at mjmclaughlin.com