Obituary of Reuben Long

Reuben “Rex” Long, 82, of Owego passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2017.  Mr. Long is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elvina; three daughters, Vickie (Dave) Rice, Celeste (Lenora Davis) Long, Kathleen (Mark) Titus; five grandchildren, Brian, Evan, Melanie, Margaret, Andrew ; two great-grandchildren, Liam, Maeve.  Mr. Long graduated from Eastwood High School and Syracuse University.  He was employed by IBM as a systems engineer for 33 years, working on B52 Navigation, Saturn Program Manager (Apollo Program), Fly-by-wire Helicopters, and other projects.  Rex enjoyed going to his children’s and grandchildren’s classrooms to describe his participation in the space program.  He was an amateur radio operator for over 60 years (call sign K2OVex).  In the 1960’s, he helped with the Civil Defense Net.  He provided HAM Radio communication for the Yathalon.  He also worked the talk-in radio station for the Owego HAM Fest for over 10 years.  Rex was a member of B.P.O.E. Lodge #1039, twice serving as the Exalted Ruler and as secretary.  He was very active in Masonry with membership and positions in many Masonic Bodies including:  P.M. Friendship Lodge #0153, Child ID Program, P.Rep. to Croatia, I.M. Ahwaga Council #30, P.Gre. Lect. Council, P.M.I.G.M. of NY Council, Gr. Rep. to Connecticut, H.P. Chapter, PDDGHP 22nd Capitular District and Gr. Rep. New Zealand, P. Commander of Malta Commandery #21 and St. Aug. Commandery #38, P. Prior of KYCH #57, P. Governor York Rite College, P. Gr. Gov. York Rite College, NY and Order of Purple Cross, Kalurah Shrine, Royal Order of Scotland, Northern Council #24 of Pennsylvania, Life Member Royal Ark Mariners Frontenac Council of Ontario, Red Cross of Constantine St. Mark’s Conclave.  The family will receive friends Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park St., Owego.  A celebration of Rex’s life will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with his children honoring his life, followed by A Lodge of Sorrows Service and concluding with Masonic Services.  Burial will be held privately in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Syracuse, NY.  Memorial contributions may be made in Reuben “Rex” Long’s memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL  33607.  Condolences may be made to Rex’s family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com.