Joseph George Long               DOB 6/24/1991                  DOD 6/6/2014

LONG, Joseph George, age 23, died on Friday, June 6, 2014 at Florida Zephyrhills Hospital.  Joey, as he liked to be called, was a very friendly and affectionate young man. He graduated from Moore Mickens Education Center in 2012 and loved participating in the Special Olympics events. His favorite sports were soccer, bowling and basketball. He enjoyed watching movies and playing video games.

Joey and his brother, George, were raised by their custodial grandmother, Eileen Kelly, who died on February 14, 2013. Joey and his brother George then moved in with their Aunt Barbara Gontz, who Joey called Sissy, his Uncle Wayne Gontz and Cousin Michael Gontz in Zephyrhills, Florida.

He is survived by his loving family:

His mother Patricia Long and sister Ashley Rivera both of Highland, New York.

His brother George Newkirk III, Aunt Barbara, Uncle Wayne and Cousin Michael of Zephyrhills, Florida. His Aunt Donna VanKleeck of Dade City, Florida, Uncle Thomas Long of Accord, New York.

His grandfather Richard Kelly of Bronx, New York and his nephew, Troy of Highland New York.

Joey is also survived by his cousins: Patricia Williams and John Gontz Jr. of Rosendale, New York, Marcia Perry of Gulfport, Florida and several second cousins.