Jeffery Earl DeLong, 77, died in his home in Arlington VA on April 15, 2023. Originally from Indiana, Jeff graduated from The George Washington University in 1968 where he played on the university’s basketball and baseball teams. He went on to teach physical education at Taylor Elementary School in Arlington VA until retiring in 2002. Jeff was a passionate nature photographer and was at his happiest studying wildlife from behind the camera lens. He went to local parks daily and followed birds and butterflies to wherever they led him, stopping to observe interesting insects along the way. It was a form of meditation for him. During a road trip to the Northwest in 2004, Jeff was captivated by the spiritual beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota where his spirit surely resides today.
Jeff enjoyed relaxing on the porch, solving crossword puzzles, mowing the lawn and shoveling snow. He was a sports enthusiast and an avid follower of NCAA basketball and the Washington Nationals. Jeff loved his pets. In recent years, he enjoyed visits from his beloved granddog Dixie and his grandcat Ozzie who brought him love and joy.
Survivors include wife Drusilla (Dru), brothers Edward (Connie) and Stephan (Suellen), sister-in-law Pamela Gerstner, nieces, nephews and dear friends. A memorial service will be held on April 29, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Mount Olivet United Methodist Church in Arlington VA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Audubon Society.
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