Aaron Mowere Longacre

86, of Tampa, passed away peacefully on April 20 at his residence surrounded by family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Muffy Townsend Longacre; his two daughters, Lisa (Anthony) and Holly (Allen); son Scott; and his three beloved grandchildren Ryan, Erin, and Charlie. He is also survived by four siblings David, Mark, Anna Mary, and James. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Edna; his brother, Paul Longacre; and his sister, Rhoda King.

Aaron was the son of Paul and Edna Longacre and raised on a farm in Barto, Pennsylvania in a rural Deutsch setting. He was the fourth of seven children raised in the Mennonite faith, where his father served as lay Pastor.

Within walking distance from the farm was Schultzville “Academy”, a red brick single classroom structure, where eight grades were taught by one experienced instructor. He graduated from Boyertown High School where he found the academic curriculum a welcomed challenge.

With interest in furthering his education, he attended Goshen College in Indiana earning a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. He received his Medical Degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia in 1961. Following a rotating internship at the Delaware Hospital in Wilmington, he served a two year term in the United States Public Health Service, working in a Washington, D.C. clinic for civil service employees. He spent one year in Internal Medicine at Washington Hospital Center followed by a three year residency in Radiology at the VA Hospital In Philadelphia.

It was during his internship at Delaware Hospital where he met student nurse, Muffy Townsend. In 1964, they wed and entered a loving marriage of 56 years. In July 1968, he moved to Tampa with his young family and joined as a Charter member of Drs. Sheer, Ahearn and Associates, PA. He worked as a Radiologist at University Community Hospital for 27 years.

Aaron’s family and friends admired his gentle and humble demeanor. He was known to be kind and respectful of other’s opinions and feelings. He was compassionate to those in need. His faith and his family, especially his three grandchildren, were his focus and true joy.

Aaron’s special interests throughout his life have included golf, windsurfing, gardening, reading history and biographies, regional and World travel. He has been a longtime supporter of Tampa East Sertoma, the Judeo-Christian Clinic, Metropolitan Ministries, and Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church, where he and Muffy were members of the church’s Friendship Class for 35 years. He generously gave his time in recent years volunteering with Meals on Wheels. Mindful of rising college tuitions and the lifelong benefits of higher education, he generously contributed to the establishment of endowed scholarships at three different institutions of higher learning, including the University of South Florida.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make memorial contributions to The Judeo-Christian Clinic or Metropolitan Ministries.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church on Thursday, June 3 at 11:00 AM.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.blountcurrycarrollwood.com