Richard A. Long

Richard A. Long, age 85, of Chadds Ford, PA., passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2024 with his family by his side.

A wonderful man has left us.  He was born in Philadelphia to parents Paul James Long and Mary Magdalene Long (nee Nash).  Preceded in death by his brother Paul Long, and brother-in-law Phillip Freiler.

He was known for his brilliance, integrity, character, humor, stories, humanity and service.  A lover of the arts and music.  An avid Chesapeake boater, reader, traveler and gifted dance partner. A lover of nature and history, deep faith and humility.  A counselor, a mentor, bear hugger and provider.  A Penn Stater, Phillies and Eagles fan.  A son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, a confidant and buddy.

A man gifted in increasing the bottom line without forsaking his humanity.  Graduate of North Catholic High School, Penn State University B.S., Drexel University M.B.A. and a C.P.A..  He began his career in accounting. He came to Saint Francis Hospital, Wilmington Delaware in 1969 as Director of Finance, promoted to Hospital Administrator in 1973 at age 34, growing and expanding the care of Saint Francis Hospital in the Community until 1986 when he was made President East for the Franciscan Health System (FHS) overseeing the care in multiple Hospitals.  He retired from FHS in 1994, he always referred to his Saint Francis years as his “Camelot.”  He also served as President of the Association of Hospital Administrators.

He returned to work as a Healthcare Administration consultant for the Hunter Group, wherein he travelled the Country helping various prestigious and smaller Hospitals optimize the care in their communities.  In early 2000’s he returned to St Francis Hospital as President for several years, establishing the Heart Center and elevating the care and environment of the Hospital. He was awarded the “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” medal by the Vatican for his long service to Community and Church.

Richard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Alicia “Candy” Long (nee Brown), his children, Susan Long, Annette Long, Richard P. Long (Sharon), his sister Rita Freiler and sister-in-law, Evelyn Long, his grandchildren, Dr. Lauren Long Geissler (Dr. Joseph Geissler), SSG Thomas Smith, U.S. Army (Brit’ney), Patrick Kline, Richard A. Long, Samuel Long, and his great-grandchildren, Jackson Smith, Cadence Smith, Cody Smith and Ellington Geissler.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, July 19, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s on The Brandywine Catholic Church, 10 Old Church Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807. A viewing will be held prior from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the church. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Wounded Warriors Project and St Jude’s Hospital for Children.