Joseph V Long Jr.

Joseph V. Long Jr., 35, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Sunday, August 7, 2016.

Joseph was born on November 4, 1980. Joseph grew up in Niles, Ohio, playing football and baseball as a young boy. His outstanding and inquiring personality was inspiring to those surrounding him, from the time he was young. He had a passion for speech and debate during his time at Niles McKinley High School, which translated into being a speech and debate coach after graduating high school in 1999.

Upon graduation, Joseph accepted the Leslie H. Cochran full-tuition academic scholarship at Youngstown State University. During his final year as a Youngstown State University scholar, he served as student government president, one of his many accomplishments. Regardless of the workload Joseph took on, his top priority was always to empower his peers and family. He graduated with honors in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in political science, minoring in psychology.

He worked for State Farm in Columbus, Ohio, where he resided for some time after college. Joseph was an avid Notre Dame fan and enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia 76ers. He was an excellent critic of the latest television shows and enjoyed writing about them, along with other pieces of writing. Joseph had the brilliance and charm to be present in any moment or activity—hikes in the park, plays, board games (catch phrase), or simply alphabet rock around a campfire. He lit up a room no matter the company.

Joseph will be deeply missed by his family—his father Joseph V. (Michelle) Long Sr., his mother Sherri Soda-Long, his sister Sabrina Long, his grandmothers Anna Long and Joan Soda, his step-sister Kylie Mazurkiewicz, his step-brother Ken Mazurkiewicz, his aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers Joseph E. Long and Joseph J. Soda Sr.

Per Joseph’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, August 12 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen Church, Niles.

Arrangements are being handled by the Holloway-Williams Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Niles. Family and friends are invited to visit www.hollowaywilliamsfuneralhome.com to view the obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to the Long family.

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