On the evening of May 20, 2024, Thomas W. Long "Tom" passed into the arms of his Creator at the age of 94. The son of Linden residents, Samuel Thomas Long and Agnes Crawford Long, nee Nugent, Tom was a Linden man from Day One.

Tom was the first of his family to attend college.  After graduating with a teaching degree from East Stroudsburg State, he served in the Marines, returned to Linden, and married Caroline Pratt, his beloved wife of 69 years. During this time, Tom earned his Master's degree from Rutgers University and helped grow his family and community. Tom was predeceased by his beloved daughter Dianne. He is survived by his devoted wife, Caroline; his son, Thomas/Leslie; son Robert/Dina; and son Kenneth/Elizabeth; grandchildren Stephanie, Danielle/Thomas, Shannon/Michael, Christopher, Abigail, and Samuel; great-granddaughter, Brooke; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Influenced by his Christian faith, Tom laid a foundation for a professional life of service with 41 years in the Linden public school system, culminating as its Superintendent.  During that time, Tom also served as a Union County Freeholder (now Commissioner), from 1971-1983, and was subsequently elected to the NJ State Assembly, 20th District, from 1983-1986.

Throughout the remainder of his career as an educator and the vast majority of his life, Tom's call to service manifested in significant ways, as he also served on the Boards of Union County and Sussex County Community Colleges and the Board of Vista Gardens, Vero Beach, FL, for 15 years, the last 13 as its President.

A man of integrity, Tom valued family, faith, and country. He was a loving father who worked hard to care for and support his wife and children throughout their lives, a grandfather who was always there for his beloved grandchildren, and a great-grandfather to one who helped bring light into his life, even as the world around him darkened. Tom was known to be a loyal and trusted friend, a role model to many, and one who was fair and committed to seeking the highest good for the most.  Such a life called for the support of many, which Tom experienced from family and friends, lifelong membership in the United Methodist Church, and as a member of the Masonic Lodge in Linden, the American Legion, Lions International and Moose clubs.

Tom will be sorely missed by his loving family and many friends.  A Memorial Gathering will be held on Tuesday, June 4th from 4 to 7pm, in the Leonard-Lee Funeral Home, 301 E. Blancke Street, Linden, NJ. A Celebration of Life will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday, June 5th at 10:30am followed by inurnment of Tom's ashes in the family plot in Rosedale Memorial Park, Linden with Marine Military Honors.  Gifts in honor of Tom can be made to the United Methodist Communities Foundation, 205 Jumping Brook Rd, Neptune, NJ 07753, or to the charity of your choice.