Robert W. DeLong, 91, a longtime resident of Abington, died Friday January 6th while in the care of Old Colony Hospice at the Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital, due to complications from a traumatic fall. Recently widowed after 65 years of marriage to his loving wife Margaret M.(Kendall)DeLong.
Born in Hoboken, NJ on November 9, 1925 to Frank and Julia (Weber) DeLong.
Robert was a proud veteran of the armed forces, having served for 32 years. Serving in the United States Navy form 1943-1947, the United States Army from 1947-1950 and the United States Air Force from 1950-1965.Retiring from the Air Force in 1966 and spending 1966-1975 in the Air Force Reserves.
An avid reader Robert enjoyed collecting and reading books of all kinds, especially history and military. A regular at the many local town libraries and bookstores, he eventually amassed a personal collection of over 7000 books.
Having a love for walking he would take daily walks around town, often through the town cemetery and the Island Grove. In the past, at times, taking his young grandchildren with him. Giving history lessons along the way or stopping to enjoy some time fishing.
He is survived by his children, Barbara Graves and her husband Douglas, Kevin DeLong, Mary Hickey and her husband Wayne, Kathleen Hain and her husband Bruce, Philip Delong and his wife Deborah, as well as twelve grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Margaret, their sons Robert Jr. James DeLong and his grandson Jason Graves.
Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday January 15th from 1:00-3:00 in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth St. (Rt 58 at the rotary circle) Whitman. Family and friends wishing to pay last respects are to meet at the Chapel on Monday at 10:30AM followed by Military Honors at 11:00AM in the Mt Vernon Cemetery, Abington.