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JOHN LONG: 1946-2005

Friends to give Long heartfelt farewell

The superintendent wanted no fuss upon his retirement last year. He won't get his wish at a memorial service Sunday.

By REBECCA CATALANELLO
Published October 29, 2005

Former Pasco County school superintendent John Long was adamant no one throw him a retirement party.

He said 11 months ago that he simply didn't want people to feel like they were obligated to go, obligated to say nice things about him.

So one by one they streamed into his office during his last weeks on the job to say thank you and goodbye. It was a frustrating compromise for those who wished to send him off in a grand manner.

On Sunday, many of the same people who shook their heads over Long's no-party rule will gather at 2 p.m. at Victorious Life Church in Wesley Chapel to celebrate his life with a memorial service.

Long, 59, died Wednesday, enjoying his retirement in Montana while vacationing with his wife of 37 years, Marsha.

"John's not big on pomp and circumstance, so we're trying to organize this service to be respectful of the kind of person he was," said Ray Gadd, assistant superintendent and a close friend of Long's.

Though Long was known to like to have the last laugh, Gadd said, this time he'll have to sit back and listen as those who loved and admired him swap funny stories without his getting the final word.

Long ascended from overseeing employee relations for the district in the 1970s to become superintendent in 1996. From 1986 to 1994, he represented Pasco County in the state House of Representatives, enjoying one of the cleanest reputations a public official might enjoy.

Though an involved Pasco leader, Long was also known to be private and protective of his personal time with Marsha and their two daughters, Jennifer and Jessica. In 1994, he walked away from a chance to become Speaker of the House of Representatives, the top leadership position, in order to spend more time at home.

"Contrary to popular opinion, he didn't seek out the limelight. He was quick on his feet when he was in it, but he didn't seek it out," Gadd said.

Despite his living desire to ignore honors and platitudes, Long will be the subject of more than one honor in his death. In addition to the memorial service, state Rep. John Legg, R-Port Richey, plans on Tuesday to present a tribute to Long on behalf of the House of Representatives. The same morning, the School Board is expected to name three new central Pasco County schools.

Even prior to his death, John Long's name was among the dozens of suggestions on the table.

Victorious Life Church, the site of Sunday's memorial, is at 6224 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Dr. John Long Scholarship Fund for employees of Pasco County interested in advancing their education. Checks should to be made to the Pasco Education Foundation. Note in the memo section that the donation is for the Dr. John Long Scholarship Fund.

[Last modified October 29, 2005, 01:45:21]