Andrew Joseph Long, “Andy”, was born on June 21, 1924 in Bath, Maine. As a young child in foster care he had the good fortune to be placed with the Durant family who had 4 girls and one boy of their own. He loved living with his new siblings Edna, Cora, Mary, Audrey and Austin (who passed away in childhood). Rita (Mamie) and Frank (Pa) Durant would eventually adopt Andrew and 2 other boys (Fred Bolduc and Gene Libby). He was forever grateful to join this loving family.
After graduating from Morse High School in 1942, Andrew started a job at the Bath Iron Works but slipped away to sign up for the Navy in September of that year (much to Mamie’s chagrin). His 4-year stint overseas during WW II would produce a lifetime of stories. He served as a Signalman in both the European and Pacific Theaters and, despite the atrocities, was grateful to have traveled the world. He returned home and was honorably discharged while living at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Massachusetts.
With his quick smile, endearing sense of humor and talent for dancing, Andy enjoyed the servicemen dances at the Charlestown YMCA. It was there he met his future wife, Ruth MacKay. They dated for 12 years before tying the knot on May 24, 1958--he had to be sure! They settled in Wakefield MA and lived happily there for 25 years with their one daughter, Audrey, a dog, and a series of cats. Andy was extremely handy and industrious as evidenced by the shed, home addition and pool that he built, as well as the meticulous condition of their home and yard.
Andy was truly a man ahead of his time. With his regular work schedule, he arrived home soon after Audrey returned from school. He would set about cooking dinner, seeing to the daily chores and driving Audrey and her friends absolutely anywhere they wanted to go. Mr. Long and the girls—they all had such fun during those adventures! No trip was too long, no plans too chaotic, (no music too loud)—he was devoted to Audrey and held a warm place in his heart for her friends (and he in theirs) throughout his long life. During Audrey’s high school years, he and Ruth opened their home and hearts to an exchange student daughter, Annarosa, creating a cherished lifelong family bond. His apple pie remains one of her favorites.
Bath was always home to Andy and the Longs vacationed there every summer to spend time with his large family. Andy loved everything about Maine--fishing, clamming, picking blueberries and swimming at the beach. He especially enjoyed playing with his many nieces and nephews. Family meant everything to him.
Andy worked for a watch company and a meat plant before he landed his career job at the Boston & Maine Railroad. He was an electrician and foreman at a train repair facility from 1954 to 1985. He was eligible to retire at age 60, but was afraid he might be bored so he waited until 61. He never looked back.
He and Ruth bought a home in Barefoot Bay Florida where they lived for 20 years along with friends from the Charlestown YMCA days. Andy commuted until Ruth retired in 1990 and they became official snowbirds. He was an outgoing guy who enjoyed all the social clubs with Ruth. He loved the outdoors—walking miles a day as well as biking, gardening and playing 18 holes. An avid golfer, Andy made a hole in one several times.
Andy and Ruth returned home every summer to be with Audrey and her husband Neil O’Connor. They purchased a home in York, Maine where Andy (Pa) spent many summers playing catch and golfing with the two brightest lights in his life--his grandchildren Kelly and Andrew. His days were busy with walking, gardening, golfing and baking his famous apple pie, but everything stopped in time for a manhattan before dinner. He and Ruth continued to visit his family in Bath each summer where they loved playing cribbage and boating with Cora and Penn.
Andy and Ruth moved home to York full time to be closer to family in 2006 and they thrived for 5 years. He continued to take his morning and afternoon walks regardless of the weather, and insisted on shoveling and mowing the lawn well into his 80s. With winter woes they moved into Brooksby Village in Peabody MA where Andy took care of Ruth until her death in 2013. He stayed there another 3 years, but needing extra help he entered The Soldiers Home in Chelsea. For almost 3 years he enjoyed outings with Audrey, Neil and his grandchildren until he passed peacefully at 94 from skin cancer.
Andy was the life of the party, always relishing a good time with family and friends. He had deep personal warmth, a sense of humor and respect for all. He said hello to anyone who crossed his path on his daily walks. Andy was a true listener interested in what others had to say, putting those around him at ease with his good-natured teasing. He loved children and dogs and they loved him. A gentleman in every sense of the word, he held doors for others even near the end. But it was family that Andy always put first. Life will not be the same without him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to The Soldiers Home (earmarked for 1 West) and mailed to The Superintendent’s Office 91 Crest Ave Chelsea, MA 02150.
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