1934 – 2012

TURNER — Darrel P. Long, 78, of Turner died Saturday, Dec., 22, at his residence following a short illness with his family by his side.

He was born in Portage Lake on May 10, 1934, the son of the late Joseph and Albertine (Boucher) Long.

He was married to the former Carol Maine who died in March 2011.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to August 31, 1960, as a helicopter and flight mechanic.

He was employed by Pratt & Whitney Corporation for four years prior to moving back to Maine in 1965 and for 34 years at International Paper — where he also designed and patented refrigeration and air conditioning instrumentation devices until his retirement in March 2011.

He enjoyed food, gardening, and reading and could fix anything.

He will be long remembered as a foster parent for almost 60 children.

He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus Council # 106.

He is survived by five sons, Daniel Long of Lewiston, Joseph Long and his wife, Kelly, of Henderson, Nev., Jeffrey Long of Boston, David Long and his wife, Kim, of Greene, and Brian Long of Auburn; two daughters Cindy Long of Terryville, Conn., and Suzanne Levesque and her husband, Paul, of Leeds; 12 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; three sisters, Joan Wills and her husband, Phi,l of New Hampshire, Cleo Bosse of Lewiston, and Dorien Labbe and her husband, Maurice, of Bailey Island.

He was predeceased by a sister Linda Perryman in October.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.