Paul Donald Long, Sr.
Wilmington, DE - Paul, known as Donnie to many family and friends, passed away on July 25, 2021, at the age of 87. Paul was born in Wilmington on April 7, 1934. He attended St. Paul's Elementary School and graduated from Wilmington High School in 1953. He served honorably in the U.S. Army before working as a pipefitter at DuPont Chambers Works in Deepwater, NJ, for more than 30 years.
Paul was a resident of Elsmere and a member of Corpus Christi Church for nearly 50 years. He was an avid fan of sports, especially football, and particularly Notre Dame football. He volunteered his time in many ways over the years, including at Emmanuel Dining Room and maintaining the flowers at the Shrine of our Lady Queen of Peace. He enjoyed buying, collecting, and reselling antiques and was skilled at restoring wood furniture.
Those who knew Paul knew him to be honest, humble, and reliable. He was a man of faith and was devoted to his family.
Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor (Long) Dawson, and his brothers Robert A. Dawson, Jr., Ronald Dawson, and Thomas Dawson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Grace (Mangeri); his son Paul, Jr. and his wife Valerie; his son John and his wife Megan; his grandson Ryan; his siblings Eleanor "Marie" (Dawson) Hall, Elizabeth "Betty" Dawson, Joseph Dawson, and Henry Dawson; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
A viewing will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 905 New Rd., Elsmere, DE, on Friday, July 30, 2021, starting at 10:00 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 pm. Interment will be in Cathedral Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington.