Robert L. Long

Robert Louis Long was born on October 5, 1947, and died from complications of dementia on January 1, 2026. He graduated from Bedford High School in 1965, where he was captain of the football team and was chosen as first team all-GLL. After being honorably discharged from the US Army, he attended Michigan State University, becoming a very proud alumnus in 1973. His first math teaching job was at Bedford High School, where he coached wrestling, girls' basketball, and girls' track. He was inducted into the Bedford Athletic Hall of Fame for his role as an assistant coach of Bedford’s state championship wrestling teams. After teaching for nine years in Houston, TX, he returned to the Toledo area. He taught in the Toledo Public Schools and coached soccer at Bedford. He was named GLL soccer coach of the year in 1998. 

Bob enjoyed golfing and playing poker with his friends, but his great passion was his family. He met Barbara Black at a YMCA dance in 1964, just before his senior year in high school. They were married six years later. He was the best husband, father, and grandfather this world has ever seen. He was dearly loved. Words cannot express how much he will be missed. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Viola Long, and brothers David and Gary. He is survived by his wife Barbara, daughters Margaret (Ken) Crosley, Mary (Matt) Brandman; grandchildren Jennifer (Kyle) Mickens, Hannah Crosley, Aiden, Eloise, and Evelyn Brandman. 

Friends and family will be received on Wednesday, January 7, from 4-7 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3011 Carskaddon Avenue, Toledo, OH, on Thursday at 10:00 am. In his memory donation may be made to The Greater Toledo YMCA or a charity of your choice.