Stances DeLong

Stances DeLong, 82, of 416 Egbert Street in Franklin, died at 7:15 p.m., Sunday, March 13, 2011 at UPMC Northwest in Seneca. Born May 10, 1928 in Franklin, he was the son of the late Stances and Luella Smith DeLong, Sr. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Yeoman third class from June 1946 to April 1948. He also received the World War II Victory Medal. Stances retired from G.T.E. with over 30 years of service where he was a PBX technician. Stances was a life-time member of the Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department, a life-time member of the BPOE Elks #110, a former member of the Eagles Lodge, a former member of the Moose Lodge, and was 32nd Degree Mason. He was an amateur wedding photographer and a square dance caller. Stances enjoyed golfing, bowling, hunting, the outdoors, and a life-time Pittsburgh Pirates fan. He was married July 15, 1949 to Sarah Lucille Mong, who survives. Stances is also survived by his two daughters, Cindy DeLong of Dallas, TX and Cathy Close of Franklin; step sister, Nancy Apple and her husband, Paul of Saegertown; two grandchildren, Kevin Close of Franklin and Carrie Karns and her husband, Scott of Oil City; and his great granddaughter, Addison Karns. He was preceded in death by his parents. Friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 from 3-7 p.m. Funeral services for Stances will be held Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Lonny Wolford of the Fox Street Church of God, officiating. Interment will follow in Old Sandy Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department, 29 Shuffstall Street, Franklin, PA 16323 or the charity of one's choice. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.