Robert Bradcher Long of Yonkers, New York, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024, after suffering complications from cancer.

He was born in New York City, New York on April 18,1950, to Lury T. and Mary Foy Long. During elementary school Robert’s family moved to Pelham Manor, NY where he attended OLPH school and Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, NY.

He received his B.A. degree in history from St. Bernard’s College in Cullman, Alabama and his Masters degree from Fordham University in NY.

Robert was a teacher at St. Luke’s School in the South Bronx where he made many life long friends. He later became Vice Principal of Mercy High School.

As a child, Robert and his family would travel to North Carolina during the summer to visit grandparents. They would travel by train leaving from the original Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan. It was quite the sight for a young boy when he saw the magnificent station with it’s glass ceilings and so many trains that looked just like his Lionel set at home. He could barely contain his excitement, and would often reflect on that experience when remembering the “old” Penn Station and it’s sad demise. One summer as a teenager in Pelham, Robert had a job driving the Good Humor Ice Cream truck, which thrilled all of our friends and neighbors. He would drive down our street at least five times a day ringing his bell until one mother complained that it was “too much ice cream and bell ringing.” He was perfect for the job since he really was the epitome of a good humored guy. Robert enjoyed nothing more than being with his family and reminiscing about family parties with his aunts, uncles and cousins, the sing a longs and summer visits to see extended family at Hither Hills in Montauk. He had a love for all things Irish and made a number of trips to Ireland with close family and friends. The memories from those trips were the source of some hilarious stories enjoyed by all throughout his life.

Robert enjoyed watching old movies and had an encyclopedic knowledge of them and the actors, writers and directors who created them. He possessed a tremendous sense of humor and irony, and would often say something so subtly that left everyone erupting in laughter. His kindness, warm nature and empathy for family and friends knew no bounds. Robert was a life long Catholic and had a deep devotion to the faith. His warmth, wit and love will be sorely missed.

Robert is survived by his loving sister, Mary Long Philbin (Neil) of Wakefield, RI, his nephews Dylan (Gabrielle), Michael, James and his niece Mary Curran, who held a special place in his heart. He is also survived by two grand nieces, Rosemary and Cecilia DeYoung and a grand nephew Willem DeYoung who were a source of great joy for him. Robert’s family would especially like to thank his cousins, Tarry Spollen Schiek and Jane Spollen Waddell for their kindness and support during his illness. It was greatly appreciated. He is also survived by many loving cousins and his lifelong friends, Victoria Miller and Laura Strong.

Interment will take place on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY. For more information or to leave a condolence please visit http://www.pelhamfuneral.com

Editor’s note: This obituary was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home.