Richard John Long

Richard John Long, 89, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away from an apparent heart attack on May 13, 2025, at The Legacy House in Mesa, AZ. He was born April 30, 1937, in St. Cloud, MN, the third child of Frank and Dorthy Mae (Hiscock) Long.

Richard started his career at the age of 16 working at JC Penny in St. Cloud MN and became a Retail Troubleshooter, working in that capacity for retailers such as JC Penny, Gambles, and Montgomery Ward. He spent most of his career cleaning up and converting non-productive stores for his employers into top-ranking producers for the retailers' franchises.

It was during his employment with JC Penny that he first laid eyes on the love of his life, Mary Ann Stumpf. After years of courting and persistence, he wore her down and they were married in a private ceremony on November 15, 1969. Although they never had children of their own, they had many nieces and nephews who loved them dearly.

Like many of his siblings, Richard was proud to serve in the Minnesota Army National Guard.

He was preceded in death by his beloved Mary Ann in June of 2010 after a long battle with cancer. After living in Peoria, AZ for many years and providing moral support and friendship to many friends and neighbors, Richard sold his house and moved to Fellowship Square in Phoenix, where (during his first week of residence) he met and became inseparable with Dorothy Krueger. They remained companions to each other until her death in March of 2026.

He is survived by his sister, Phyllis Miklos, and in-laws Willard and Mary Rose Stumpt and many nieces and nephews. He is also preceded in death by his parents; his siblings and their spouses: Frank Long, Shirley and George Christy, Don Miklos, Gene and Jane Long, Bill and Yvonne Long, Wilma Long and Merle Long; his in-laws and their spouses: Jerome and Bev Stumpf, Olivia and Al Maciej, Leo and Phyllis Stumpf, Millie and Felix Beniek, and Melvin and MaryAnn Stumpf; his nephews Jim Long, Mike Maciej and Stephen Stumpf and niece Joni Maciej.

A graveside service will be held at the Sunland Memorial Park, Mortuary & Cremation Center in Sun City, AZ at a future date.