Merle Reese DeLong

Merle Reese DeLong, 93, of Lorain passed away peacefully with his granddaughter by his side, Saturday, December 17, 2022 at his home following a long illness.  

Mr. DeLong was born in Fredonia, New York on March 5, 1929, the son of the late Merle G. DeLong and Marjorie (nee Reese) DeLong. He attended Brocton High and was a veteran of the United States Navy.

It was on shore leave in Boston, MA that he met the love of his life, Thelma Feetham. They were married for 51 years until her passing in 1999.

He spent the majority of his life working as a metal finisher, retiring from the Ford Motor Company after 35 years.

He enjoyed bowling and shuffleboard, playing cribbage, pinochle and poker with family and friends.  He was also an avid reader of suspense novels, loved listening to music from the Big Band era and watching Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians baseball.

After retirement he began wood crafting, needlepoint, tending to his garden and spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He loved spending time with his great grandchildren, and his yearly trips to Florida where he enjoyed spring training baseball games, and spending time with family. He was also a member of the American Legion 30, where he enjoyed the occasional Jack Daniels and soda.  

He is survived by daughter Linda Schiavetta, Fort Myers, FL, granddaughter and caregiver Marissa (Ted) Lyons, Lorain, grandson Andrew Schiavetta, Chicago, IL, granddaughter Alisha Stratton, Lorain, great-grandsons TJ, Ashton and Callen Burge,Javion Stratton and several nieces and nephews in Boston, New York and Florida.

In addition to his parents and his wife Thelma, he was preceded in death by sons Bruce, Ricky and Keith, daughter Mary Lyons, brother Allen, sisters Sonja Curtis and Sandra DeLong.

Burial will be held at 12pm at the Ridge Hill Memorial Park,  44805  N. Ridge Road Amherst. Friends may call on Saturday, January 7, 2023, for a Celebration of Life beginning at 1:00 PM in the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home for Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain.

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