William Christopher Long, AKA Grampy Long, died peacefully at JML Skilled Nursing Facility in Falmouth on January 19, 2024. He was 97 years of age.

He was born on January 19, 1927 in Natick to Martin and Mary Long and spent his younger years in Hopkinton. He was a resident of Holliston and Hopedale for many years before settling in Falmouth in 2012.

He was the husband of Grace M. Long (Maguire) for 43 years until her passing in 1995.

Bill was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving 5 years. Bill’s professional career was in the retail grocery business. He worked many years managing First National Supermarket Stores and concluded his career with Roche Bros. Supermarkets before retiring in 2012.

What made Bill the happiest was time spent with his family. From his siblings to his wife and children, his grandchildren, his great and great-great-grandchildren, and his extended family members, that time spent was always his happiest time. Bill was a quiet and gentle man. He carried a quick dry wit that was always followed by a sly smile and a laugh. He rarely had a bad word to say about anyone or anything. Except Carl Yastrzemski, who was never going to be Ted Williams! Over the years Bill introduced us to so many great times and memories that live on. Summers on Cape Cod, beginning with Sagamore Beach, Chinese food, pizza from Marconi’s, our love/hate relationship with the Red Sox, and the Christmas lights on Ashland St. And his scratch tickets and cigars. Can’t forget those!

Bill is survived by his children William C. Long II and his wife Maria, Lora Tutuny and James Mitchell, Beverly Moore and her husband Bob, Joseph A. Fish and his wife Kit, daughter-in-law Margaret Fish, son-in-law Ronald White, sister-in-law Sybil Long, and sister-in-law Jean Maguire. Bill leaves 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was pre-deceased by his wife Grace, daughter Mary Ellen White, son Peter A. Fish, brothers Gerard Long, Martin Long, Francis Long, John Long, and his sister Mary Tigue.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 28 from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 584 West Falmouth Highway, West Falmouth with a Funeral Service at 1:30 PM. Burial will be private.

Bill’s family would like to thank the staff at JML for their kindness and compassion towards Bill during his time there.