Charles “Chuck” Leroy Long, 78, of Ford City, Pennsylvania, passed away after battling a brief illness on August 12, 2025. 

Born on February 21, 1947, in Kittanning, Chuck lived a life defined by courage, service, loyalty, and love. 

A proud patriot, Chuck bravely served his country as a member of the 1st Air Cavalry Division, completing two combat tours and earning more than a dozen military honors and accolades — including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Following an injury sustained in service, he began a journey into powerlifting and competition. His resilience and strength were exemplified through multiple awards and achievements, including eight Pennsylvania gold medals and four gold medals for world championships. He was also a three-time international medalist and won four Canadian golds which gained him honorary citizenship in Canada. 

Chuck went on to serve his community as the Supervisor of Inspectors for the Pennsylvania Department of Health. He was a 32nd Degree Master Mason with Masonic Lodge 502 in Tarentum, PA, and a dedicated member of the Syria Shrine Temple in Pittsburgh. 

In 1972, Chuck met the love of his life, Shirley (Anderson) Long. Their whirlwind romance — met on Thursday, had a date that Friday, were engaged on Saturday, and married three months later — blossomed into 53 years of love, laughter, and unbreakable partnership. 

Chuck was a deeply involved member of the Methodist Church of Kittanning, where he took special pride in supporting the God’s Choice ministry. He was a passionate member of the Combat Veterans Association and a painfully loyal Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers fan, who refused to miss a game. 

He cherished traveling — especially to his favorite destination, Tennessee — and loved dining out daily at his favorite local restaurants, always enjoying the company of family, friends, and friendly conversations. 

Chuck is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley Long; his son Cary (Traci) Long Sr. of Worthington, Pennsylvania and daughter Angela (Deric) Neal of Freedom, Pennsylvania; grandchildren Brooke (Adam) Breidbart of Bayside, New York, Cary “CJ” (Kaylee) Long Jr. of Kittanning, Pennsylvania, and Olivia Neal of Georgetown, Pennsylvania; and great-grandchildren Aurora Breidbart, Waylon Long, and Tate Henderson. 

He is also survived by his brother David A. (Jess) Long of Dayton, Pennsylvania, as well as a large and loving extended family. 

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Charles H. and Glenna A. Long; and his sisters Barbara Bowser and Cindy Long. 

Chuck will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his country, and his community — and for the honor and heart he brought into every room. 

Friends will be received on Friday August 15, 2025 at the Kennedy & Blodgett Funeral Home in Kittanning from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. A Masonic service will be held in the funeral home at 7:30 P.M. A funeral service will be held on Saturday August 16, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. in the Kittanning Free Methodist Church 2339 Freeport Road, Kittanning, PA 16201with Pastor Leo Lenze officiating. Additional visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 A.M until the time of the service. Interment is in the Worthington Presbyterian Cemetery.