Celebrating the Life of Ross Alan Long
Ross Alan Long was born to Ross and Gladys Long on
December 30, 1952. A proud graduate of East Canton High
School Class of 1970, Ross warmheartedly remembered his days
lettering in football. He continued his education at the
University of Akron, studying political science, building lifelong
friendships, and meeting the love of his life, Rose Mary Wilson.
Ross dedicated his professional life to protecting and serving his
community as a firefighter and paramedic for the City of
Canton. The ultimate protector, he embodied true courage,
compassion, and selflessness. Known for his quick wit and
clever wordplay, Ross was a mentor who constantly emphasized
the value of education, preparation, and documentation. In
moments of hardship, his signature reassuring phrase — “it will
be greater later”— served as a lasting beacon of comfort and
hope.
Beyond his service, Ross found genuine joy in life’s simple
pleasures. He was a talented cook, celebrated by family and
friends for his famous spice cake, signature slum gulley, and
chili. Music was a cornerstone of his life, and he joyfully passed
down his deep love for jazz and funk to the next generations. He
also kept a keen eye on current events and loved nothing more
than relaxing with a good comedy sitcom.
Ross was reunited in death with his parents, Ross and Gladys;
his beloved wife, Rose Mary Wilson-Long; his sister, Constance
“Connie”; and his niece, Gladys (Renee) and his beloved aunts,
uncles, and family.
His rich legacy lives on through his surviving family: his loving
aunt, Doris; his brother, Gilbert; and his children, Venus (Steve)
Jones, Ranetta, Tamara, Tori (Jason) Chester, Ross II (Jasmine)
Long, and Ryan Long, his ace boon coons Deborah Lowry and
Danny Ruff, his nephew Michael, and cousin Jerome. He was
the proud grandfather of Pierre, Ray, Torray, Tre’Mar, Ruby,
Jamison, Raven, Jayden, Aune, and Auni; and the adoring great-grandfather of Aurianna, Nikolai, Charlotte, Laila, Nova,
Collina, Kalia, and Amari. He is also missed by a host of
extended family and devoted friends.
Ross Alan Long’s legacy of service, wisdom, and longevity will
continue to live on through the countless lives he touched.
As he would always say, “Holla!”