Mr. Long was the best leader at Thunderbolt Elementary S chool.

I met Lou when he was a vice principal at Port Charlotte HS. When he left to become principal of Murdock Middle School, I was one of several who followed him there, as his enthusiasm and optimism for the children was contagious. We all wanted to be a part of Lou’s great passion for the kids and were honored to work with him. He inspired me to continue my education and after re-locating to PA I worked in cancer research until I retired. My heartfelt blessings to your family at this time. Sincerely Nora Lorenc

Mr. Long was an amazing principal at Murdock Middle School.  He knew my name on the first day I arrived, I know now because elementary administration told him to look out for me.  Boy, did he look out for me.  He made me feel important and understand that I could achieve what I wanted.  I'm a principal today because of Lou Long and I desperately want to do for others what he did for me.  We are Mariners! We are second to none!  I won't ever forget him telling me that I was second to no one.  Don't ever, ever think you are better than anyone else, but always remember you are just as good.  

Equally important to me is the friendship I have been able to build with Lou Jr. and the rest of the family.  I hope they are all doing well and wish them the best.   They had better also remember that I am a huge fan and graduate of Florida State University, because of Lou Long Sr.  He talked to me every Monday about Seminole football and how anybody that didn't root for Bobby Bowden and the Noles were crazy!


I worked with Lou at Thunderbolt Elementary as we all grew to love and respect him.  He instilled more self respect and school pride in students than any principal I ever worked with.  Above all, everyone  witnessed his undying love of his students, his family and his country. So sorry that our faculty never had a time to reminisce about our Thunderbolt times with him. My sympathy and thoughts go out to his family  who he loved dearly. 

So sad to hear of Mr. Long's passing. His giver and taker speech had a big impact in my life. He told us there were two kinds of people in the world, givers and takers. He encouraged students to be givers. I have carried that with me since graduating in 1989. He was certainly a giver. I hope the family is able to see all the messages on Facebook from former students, such beautiful things being said from various generations. Hugs to the Long family, what a legacy Lou Long has left behind--an example for all of us. 

Thanking God for allowing you to bless, mentor and nourish some many children. Because of your  leadership we have been able to become who we are today.  You were definitely well loved by the students at PCHS. I pray God will give your family and all those you have touched strength at this difficult time. Thanks for being an awesome and fair administrator.  Rest in heavenly peace. 
Ewa Howell Garner.  PCHS Class of 1990.

Rest In Peace, Mr. Long!  You were a great Assistant Principal at PCHS, always positive, full of energy and with a ready smile.  Thank you for all you did for the students.  We will always remember you fondly.  
Sonia Madrigal Fueredi
PCHS Class of ‘86

Lou was my neighbor and was always happy and gay.  So sad when he kept getting weaker. He was good man. He is missed.
 

Mr Long is the reason I graduated.  Between my Sophomore - junior year I thought I was all grown up and quit school.  I quickly realized that was a terrible idea and went back to PCHS and begged him to let me back in, he did but only with the promise I would be on the honor roll and I did because I did not want to let him down.  He was more than just a vice principal he was kind and really cared about his students.  I am very sorry to hear of the loss to his family.  He will be missed.

Mr. Long was a true leader in every sense of the word, a great father, and one of the first Pirates. He was Tiffany’s Principal and My Assistant Principal. We learned much from him and are very grateful that we had the opportunity to be guided by him. Our thoughts and prayers to the Long family.
The Bishop Family

So sad to hear of Mr Long's passing. 1988/1989 was my senior year at Port Charlotte High School and Mr Long was our Vice Principal. He and I became very close that year when I went through some very difficult family events. He was more of a guidance counselor/therapist for me that year. His door was always open for me to bend his ear and he would offer advice and comfort. I will never forget his kindness, his smile and his love for Florida Gators. RIP Mr Long 💗

This is definitely the saddest news I’ve heard today.  Mr. Long... what a wonderful man. He was the assistant principal at PCHS (1989). He was our number one fan. He went to every single volleyball game we had, always had a smile on his face or a word of encouragement. He had our trust and always had our back. I always felt he cared for us as if we were his children. He had such a positive impact on my life, I do and will always remember him with so much love. May he rest in peace. My condolences to all his family and friends. ❤️🙏🏻

I dearly loved Lou. He was the assistant principal at PCHS when I attended in 1988/89. His charisma and leadership were contagious. He had a smile and "hello" for everyone.  He will be dearly missed. I'm so sorry for your loss. May God hold you all in his loving arms, and grant you His peace. I.pray you will find joy in your memories. 

Mr. Long was the BEST Principal, ever. He made Junior High  (@Murdock) some of my best years.  "We are Mariners. We are second to none...and that's a fact, Jack. " RIP Mr. Long.

Mr. Long was my introduction to Charlotte County Schools (1992) as I moved as an 8th grade student to the area from WV.  I remember my mom taking me to the school office for registration and I was introduced to Mr. Long who was not only my principal but my Social Studies teacher.  When I arrived in February we were learning about the constitution and the first assignment was to memorize the Preamble.  I was inspired by Lou’s love of US History and his overall sense of concern for all of my classmates and the school community in general. Murdock Middle was exactly what I needed when making such a big transition as an adolescent. Thank you Lou for your dedication to this and all your students. You’ll remain in our hearts as forever young!  Well done good and faithful servant!

I loved Mr.Long. He was the principal at Murdock Middle when my son James `JD` Herd was a student there.  1994-1996?. Mr. Long loved all of his "kids." My special memory was him singing "Forever Young" at graduation.  I got to see him at a Pt. Charlotte v. Charlotte football game a few years ago. I was so happy to talk with him that night.  I will cherish these memories always. May God be with all of his family at this sad time. I know he is with his God and resting in His peace.

Mr Long was the best Principle a student could ask for. He was genuinely a great person a cared about his students. He will truly be missed in this world. 

Mr. Long was the principal at Murdock Middle when I attended there from 1992 to 1996. He was a very hands-on principal, loved his students, and his passion for teaching burst from the seams when it came to his students. He had a unique way of interacting with all of us, encouraging us to do our best, and he pushed us should be the best versions of ourselves that we could.  He showed us to have pride in ourselves and our school.  Something I'll always remember about him was always saying the school motto, "It's a mariner thing... You wouldn't understand!"  Nobody at school really understood what that meant then, but now, I get it...it was about our school pride, we loved our school, because he made it fun, he made it interesting, and if you weren't a student there you just didn't know what you were missing.  He was a huge part of that and I'll never forget him.  I have so many good memories from him having us singing Forever Young or getting to throw pies in his face if we won his acedemic challenges, and so much more! He made a huge impact on me and so many more kids I'm sure of that! I'm so sorry to hear this news and wish the family love, peace, and my most sincerest condolences. He will be truly missed.  

I am so heartbroken and devastated to hear this news. Mr. Long undoubtedly helped to make me the teacher that I am today. He was my final internship supervisor at USF. He made us all feel important, capable, and loved. He told us teaching was hard, but to always remember our why. He was funny and kind. When he spoke, you listened... and he always returned the kindness. He was truly one-of-a-kind. To know him is to be truly lucky. I will never, ever forget him.   

Mr. Long was my principal at Murdock Middle. He was strict but you knew he cared about your success as a student. As an educator myself, I try to apply the same principles. He was always kind to me and everyone who attended Murdock Middle under his tenure undoubtedly remembers him. I’ve only recently found out he was a professor at USF and instructed some fantastic educators I currently work with. He will be missed. Rest In Peace, Mr. Long. Your legacy as an educator and human being lives through your students!

He was the principal at MMS when I went there.  I remember the "Mariners Creed" that he created and had us all memorize, and it was something that he really lived by.  He was always smiling.  I remember seeing him at lunch every day.  He made middle school fun and had a jukebox put in the cafeteria.  I will also never forget "Forever Young" which was the song he would play instead of annoying bells to be dismissed.  Every time I hear that song it makes me happy.

What people say about you after you have left earth may be the most telling amount of impact that person had upon others.  I remember being a newly elected County Commissioner and asking Lou for some advice and mentorship.  He and I had crossed paths in Englewood over the years, but became close as members of the Placida Rotary.  Lou had this infectious way of lifting up your spirits, even as he was fighting cancer or other issues himself.  Lou was a great sounding board, gave great advice and was a great listener when I needed.  During my years as an Elected Official I would bounce ideas off Lou -- and his input was used to make decisions.  Lou Long was a great community leader and friend.  Rest In Peace.


I was a student at Murdock middle in the very early 90’s   He was a great principal and I only have good memories. 

I was employed at Thunderbolt Elementary School where he was the Principal.

Ms. Judy and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss!  My mom Joan Reynolds worked with Mr. Long at Thunderbolt, he was by far her favorite Principal EVER!!  He clearly LOVED his job and the children and adults who he worked with, he will not be forgotten!  God bless you all!  He would always play Forever Young by Rod Stewart for my Mom, everytime I hear it, I think of Mr. Long ❤❤  

To Judith Long and the family of Lou Long as we affectionately called him at Thunderbolt Elementary. Mr. Long hired me as a first time teacher with no teaching experience. I fondly remember him asking if I could start the same day that I interviewed. He never knew that I was just testing the waters and so I told him I would have to give my employer a 2 week notice (smile) it was the truth though.  He was a very pleasant and caring person. Mr. Long was very easy to work for and it was an honor to serve under his leadership.  Over the years I thought of him often. He will be missed. May the comfort of the Holy Spirit keep you now and forever. My prayers are with you and your family during this time of bereavement.  Keep your memories close and Joy truly comes in the morning!

Dear Judy and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Lou. I worked with him at Thunderbolt Elementary School when he was the principal there. He was a great boss and I had a lot of respect for him. I have thought about him often over the years and always wished him the best. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God bless you and keep you in the days to come.
Janet Lee

OBITUARY

Louis Michael Long Jr.

Passed away on MARCH 12, 2020

Kays-Ponger, Uselton & Lemon Bay Funeral Homes

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