Accomplished advertising executive, award winning community volunteer and longstanding resident of Farmington Hills, MI, peacefully passed away of dementia.

He leaves his beloved wife of 50 years, Dianne (nee Synak). He is preceded in death by his sister Joyce (George) Eschenfelder of Syracuse, NY, brother and sister-in-law Doug and Priscilla Long of Lexington, KY and his parents Robert G. Long and Alice Harden Long of Syracuse, NY. Also suvived by step-mother Mildred Long of Syracuse, NY. Cherished brother of Wallace (Deborah Baughman) of Troy, MI, uncle of Chip (Jennifer) Eschenfelder of Denver, CO and Kristin Eschenfelder Rubel (Alan) of Madison, WI, and great uncle of Logan Eschenfelder of Denver, CO. Valued friend of the “Coffee and a Stroll” group at Heritage Park and so many others.

Bob was born in Syracuse, NY, graduating from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Journalism in 1964. He began his 38 year career at WNYS-TV Channel 9 in Syracuse. His talents and professionalism promoted him to Broadcast Producer positions at Comstock Advertising, Buffalo, NY; Howard Swink Advertising, Marion, OH, and Young & Rubicam in Detroit, MI. After many years at advertising agencies he moved to the production side of the business working as Producer for Castorri & Company. During a remarkable career Bob collected awards, friendships, and the respect of countless people with which he worked.

After retiring in 2002, Bob devoted himself to volunteering at Kenbrook Elementary School and Warner Middle School in Farmington Hills.

In 2015 Bob and Dianne were awarded “Senior Volunteer of the Year” for their dedication to Kenbrook’s Green Team gardening project. The Nature Center and Heritage Park in Farmington Hills also became the Longs’ “home away from home.” For over a decade, Bob participated in almost every Volunteer Day and shared his love of nature with hayride participants, teaching children how to fish, and helping in the Children’s Garden.

For Bob’s neighbors in Farmington Hills, his and Dianne’s back porch and back yard became the center of the neighborhood, the gathering place for holiday celebrations, birthdays, fireworks, and outdoor fires. Bob was passionate about his community and unhesitating in his willingness to support his neighbors and their children with any task, however challenging or trivial. No doubt, Bob would have been most proud of this aspect of his legacy.

A special person legend for his jokes and puns. A genuine kind person. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation Saturday, June 29th, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the family home, 28915 Leamington Dr., Farmington Hills, MI 48334.