Leo C. Long

January 14, 1936 - July 15, 2015

Leo C. Long. Age 79. Passed away on July 15, 2015. Beloved husband of Geni Long. Leo and Geni were married on August 16, 1958. Loving father of Leo S. (Carol) Long. Cherished grandpa of Madison Rose Long. Dearest brother of Mary (John) Fish, Madeline (Matthew) Keller, Laura (the late Charles) Martin, Joan (Randy) Lewis and the late Albert P. (Patricia) Long Sr. Dear brother-in-law of Kathleen (Dr. James) Fordyce and the late Roseann Reppenhagen. Dear uncle of many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by several Godchildren. Leo graduated from Fordson High School in January of 1954. Upon graduating from high school, he served in the United States Naval Reserve. He also served in the United States Army. He was employed at Wheel-Trueing Tool Company, an industrial diamond firm. He began his employment with the company working in an entry level position in the factory. Over time he was promoted to Sales and Technical Service. He was also a dedicated employee at Hackett-Metcalf Funeral Home for many years. Leo and Geni belonged to St. Bernadette Catholic Church in East Dearborn from 1959 – 1963. In 1963, Leo and Geni became parishioners at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Leo was very devoted to this parish. He spent countless hours volunteering at the church. Leo developed a committee to maintain the Sacred Heart Grade School. This committee would do everything from scrubbing and waxing the floors to washing the windows. He was a member of the Usher’s Club, serving as an usher since November 27, 1970 and a Eucharistic Minister. Leo was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus, The Father Patrick O’Kelley Council. The following was written about Leo in the K of C 50th Anniversary Program Book. “Between 1977 and 1979 when Leo became Grand Knight, our council hosted the second K of C National Bowling Tournament, and Leo became not only the third PGK to become a District Deputy, but he also was appointed to the office of Archdiocesan Membership Chairman for the West Side of Detroit. The vacant land that currently surrounds the property was purchased by Leo in 1978, and the Grand Knight’s office was also torn down at this time to enlarge the lounge area to accommodate dancing. The very successful 50/50 Building Fund Raffle was started at this time, and the success of Bingo continued to grow. Events like the Red Garter Gaiety, Disco Night, and the Cumberland Playboys in the Lounge were very popular events. It was on May 20, 1979 that Leo organized a Silver Anniversary “Charter Member” Major Degree as well as a very successful 25th Silver Anniversary Dinner Dance on June 9th." Leo was also a member of the AMVETS-General Henry Dearborn Post #4 in Dearborn, Michigan. He was also a member of the Eagles Club in Caseville, Michigan. Leo enjoyed making his Christmas candy for his family and friends. He learned his candy making skills forty years ago in Buffalo, New York from his dear friend, Lou Krempa. He would make a variety of light chocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate treats. He would melt sixty pounds of chocolate wafers. He would then add toasted almonds, peanuts, coconut and raisins. Also, he would make peanut butter or mint chocolate squares. Sponge candy was a challenge to make and he would sometimes make 2 or 3 batches before it turned out to his perfection. He enjoyed making special shaped or molded chocolates (had to be white) for his granddaughter, Madison. There would be at least thirty boxes filled at Christmas time to deliver to family and friends or to be sent out in the mail. He also made fresh Polish Sausage which his family enjoyed Up North during Family Week at Grand Lake, Alpena and at the Christmas Eve Dinner. Visitation at Hackett-Metcalf Funeral Home on Monday, July 20, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. There will be a Rosary on Monday evening. The time will be listed when available. Instate 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 22430 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, Michigan 48124 until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.