Richard Joseph DeLong

Richard Joseph DeLong, 65, of Lakeland, passed away on March 11, 2018. Rick was born December 30, 1952 in Plainfield, New Jersey, to parents Robert E. and Cecelia M. DeLong. He was a printer and courier for Publix for many years. He was married to the love of his life Shirley A. DeLong for 45 years. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where he served as a Minister to the Sick, a Eucharistic Minister and a Lector, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus.His hobbies included weight lifting, hunting, fishing, writing and playing chess.

He is survived by his wife Shirley; children Jackie Annette Turgeon (Andrew) and Steven Anthony DeLong (Kayla) ; grandchildren Jaidan, Riley, Oli, Ellie, and Emery; sisters Margaret Mims and Cindy Keene.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio St., Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611 in his honor.

Rick was well loved, will be deeply missed, and leaves a void that can never be filled.
A visitation will be held Thursday March 15 from 9 - 10am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 210 W. Lemon St., Lakeland, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow.

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