Gregory Alan DeLong

Virginia Beach - Gregory Alan DeLong, 19-year old bundle of energy, who was impulsive and daring, quick witted, and oh so funny, was taken too soon, on June 16th. He was the beloved son of Erika Riordan; loving brother of Nathan DeLong, Emilie Byrd and Christian Byrd; and loving grandson of Dianne & Francis Riordan, Wendy Godowitz, and Greg DeLong. He will be dearly missed by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Greg loved his mom and told his friends his mission was “to take care of her”! And he was crazy about “Lou-dawg” who he said was a human stuck in a dalmatian’s body.

He was an entrepreneur with heart and so proud of his business, “Gregory’s Grass.” He was all set with his purple truck and his utility trailer named “Old Betsy” to take on the world.

Greg was a gatherer and shared his love of nature and fishing, camping and travel freely, with those lucky enough to be his family and to be called his friends.

He was a healer. And “old-fashioned” enough to write, address and stamp actual letters to friends – just to say hey! You are not forgotten!

He called himself “decoolkid757” and loved sharing pictures of nature, especially sunrises and sunsets on Instagram.

Greg was a protector as well. Called to trim an old guys hedges Greg, on finding a nest of unhatched eggs in the shrubs posted a picture with these words “And he wanted me to trim those hedges. No can do. Seems you got company for awhile sir!” The nest stayed safe.

We could go on and on talking about this sweet boy who was taken from us far too soon. His legacy to us is a challenge: to live fully - with integrity and love and gratitude. Life is precious.

Family will be present to receive friends from 4-7pm, Thursday, June 23rd at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home with a funeral service to follow at 7pm. You may offer condolences to the family at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.