John E. Long

John E. Long

Private services were held for Mr. John E. Long, 86, who died Monday, January 2, 2017 in the Arbor Glen Continuing Care & Retirement Community in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

John was born and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey and was a proud graduate of the Thomas A. Edison Vocational High School in Elizabeth.

He lived in South Plainfield, New Jersey for thirteen years and Plainfield, New Jersey for ten years, followed by his residence in Dunellen, New Jersey for sixteen years before moving to Middlesex, New Jersey two years ago.

John served in the U.S. Army during peacetime from April of 1947 to December of 1949.

He was employed by Texaco, Inc. of Newark, New Jersey as a terminal operator for over thirty years, prior to his retirement in 1988.

John loved art, antiques, and music. Well before the popularity of the Antiques Roadshow and American Pickers television shows, John spent forty years of his life scouring flea markets in Pennsylvania and New Jersey almost every day of the week, looking for treasures. His extensive knowledge and appreciation of American Art Pottery, American Cut Glass, Art Nouveau and Art Deco sculptures and lamps, as well as, all types of paper collectibles made him a key figure with serious collectors around the country. John’s passion for finding rare pieces was unprecedented.  He was regularly called upon by collectors to hunt for certain items they wanted to add to their collection. It is not uncommon to be watching an episode of Antiques Roadshow or walk through a museum and spot a piece that passed through John’s hands. During the 1970’s and 1980’s, John, along with his son, Dan, were regulars at the various flea markets, buying and selling. In the 1990’s and 2000’s, when the market settled down and John’s inventory had depleted, he still enjoyed going to local “fleas” just to chat with people and enjoy the outdoors.

John’s love of music touched all he came into contact with. He avidly shared all of his favorite music with his kids, neighbors, workmates, friends, and acquaintances. Whether he was bringing a new favorite record over to a friend’s house to play it for him, or being the DJ at a family party, John was very proud of his musical tastes, knowledge, and passion. It brought him great pleasure to pass that love of music onto others.

He was definitely a lifelong Yankee fan and enjoyed watching all the games with his son-in-law, Joe. 

Although John was very much a man of various passions and interests, the greatest love in his life was the love for his children and grandchidren.  John never hesitated to talk to anyone about them and his love and pride would be shining through, in his eyes, in his smile and in his voice.

Predeceased by his son-in-law, Joseph T. Fresnics on March 13, 2016, John is survived by his son, Dan E. Long and his wife, Maureen; his daughter, with whom he made his home, Nancy A. Fresnics; his two grandchildren, Dylan J. Long and Juliana M. Long, who lovingly referred to him as their “granpappy” and his former wife of twenty-five years, June A. Starkey Long.

Memorial donations for John may be mailed to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 or can also be made directly online at http://www.stjude.org

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