Senate Resolution No. 287

BY: Senator PALUMBO

MOURNING the death of Robert J. Long Jr., devoted
educator, distinguished citizen and beloved member
of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Robert J. Long Jr. was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Robert J. Long Jr., noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Robert J. Long Jr., East Quogue Superintendent and
Principal renowned for his kindness, generosity, and for making school
feel like home, died on August 9, 2022, at the age of 53; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Hampton Bays, New York, Robert J. Long Jr.
began his illustrious career as an administrator when he became
Principal of East Quogue School in 2000; he never left the small
district, ultimately taking over the Superintendent's role in 2015; and

WHEREAS, Universally adored by staff, students and parents, Robert
J. Long Jr. treated the school and the larger East Quogue community
with the same care and love he showed his own family; and

WHEREAS, A truly selfless man of indomitable faith and dedication,
Robert J. Long Jr. continued to show up to work for the students and
staff while battling cancer and steering the district through the
unchartered waters of a global pandemic; and

WHEREAS, In addition to treating his students, staff and parents
with an uncommon level of care, empathy and dedication, Robert J. Long
Jr. will be remembered for the vast improvements he made to both the
facilities and educational programs offered at East Quogue School
District; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Robert J. Long Jr., the East
Quogue School District brought back teachers who had been previously let
go, built an expansive vegetable garden and began offering the Earth
Rangers after-school club, underwent the construction of a sixth-grade
wing, as well as a greenhouse, fully renovated playground, and added
several outdoor classroom spaces; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this devoted educator worked closely with the
Board of Education to secure state aid for free full-day
pre-kindergarten for East Quogue families; an expansive outdoor
amphitheater for concerts and assemblies was also completed in the final
days of this past school year; and

WHEREAS, Robert J. Long Jr.'s ability to form close, familial bonds
with students of all ages was a natural extension of the same love,
energy and enthusiasm he had as a husband and father; and

WHEREAS, While he was passionate about many things, above all his
greatest passion was spending time with his beloved wife, Dawn, and
their two beautiful daughters, Meghan and Shannon; and

WHEREAS, For as much effort as he invested in both his own family
and his school family, Robert J. Long Jr. also found time for personally
enriching projects; he was an avid runner, completing several
half-marathons, and was a talented and ambitious writer, participating
in the annual Summer Writing Conference at Stony Brook Southampton
College several times; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Robert J. Long Jr. displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, Robert J. Long Jr. continually demonstrated an impressive
dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for
the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered at
East Quogue Schools for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well
as for the entire community; he truly left a legacy to the residents of
East Quogue, New York, and to future generations of its students; and

WHEREAS, Robert J. Long Jr.'s infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives he touched; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Robert J. Long Jr., and to express its sincere
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Robert J. Long Jr.