Michael R. Long, the long time chairman of the NYS Conservative Party, was laid to rest on Friday, July 29, 2022, after devoting most of his life to helping make our state and nation a better place for all of us to live. There was never any doubt in our minds of the impact that Mike had in the political world and the world outside of politics. Mike was loved. His passing has left us with a profound sense of loss. Mike was always there when we needed answers, from the young men who worked for him in the ice cream parlor, to those who sought elective positions, to the customers who would stop by his liquor store to discuss the burning issues of the day; Mike made time for all of us.  Mike Long was our anchor, a man whose moral compass did all that was necessary to set the state and nation back to the visions of our Founding Fathers.

Michael had his own anchor, Eileen, his wife of 59 years. Their love, their shared goals, their nine children, who emulate their lives, their 24 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren are a testament to a simple fact:  Mike and Eileen Long lived their lives as devout Catholics, treating all who crossed their paths with respect and love.

It was a tribute to Mike and his family to see the long lines waiting to pay their respects at Clavin’s Funeral Home on both Wednesday and Thursday. Our Lady of Angels Church was filled to capacity with family and friends. Monsignor Kevin Noone and Father James Delvin were co-celebrants, while Bishop Edmund Whalen, Bishop James Massa, Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio along with 6 other priests assisted is celebrating the High Mass on Friday morning.

As Chairman of the Conservative Party, I noted earlier this week, “The loss of Mike Long is immeasurable. We have lost a good man, a close friend, mentor and outstanding political leader; a void for me and many has been created that cannot be filled. “The countless number of people who learned from Mike can today be found throughout the political (and non-political) world and will act as his legacy for many years to come.”

We salute you for a job well done. Rest in Peace, Chairman Emeritus Michael R. Long. Rest in Peace.

The Spectator tribute for Mike Long.

From Newsmax:  Remembering Mike Long.

John Gizzi writes in Newsmax:  Mike Long, N.Y. Conservative Party Chairman, Dies at 82

George J. Marlin:  New York’s lost a working-class champion with the death of Mike Long, who helped depose Mario Cuomo.

Carl Campanile:  Former NY Conservative Party leader Michael Long dead at 82.

The New York Times:  Michael R. Long, N.Y. Conservative Party Stalwart, Dies at 82.

The Citizens’ Auburn:  ‘A force’: Michael Long, longtime NY Conservative Party chair, dies.

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