DURHAM - William J. Long, Sr., 73, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2017 after suffering a stroke while working in his garden. He was known as "Bill" to his many friends and family. Born in Lowell, MA, he was the son of the late Evelyn (Boyle) and Frank Long. Bill graduated from the University of Lowell in 1965 with a degree in Industrial Engineering and, until he retired, he worked as an operations and project manager for several optical systems and magnetic engineering companies in Massachusetts and Virginia. Bill loved to work with his hands, whether it be renovating his house, building furniture in his workshop, or constructing a new deck or shed in the yard. He was a skilled do-it-yourselfer and his family and friends could always depend on him to provide sound advice on every project. He had a wonderful singing voice and sang bass in many church choirs and was a member of the Middlefield Community Chorus. He began singing in the choir at All Saint's Episcopal Church in Chelmsford, MA. He enjoyed playing many musical instruments, and played the tuba in several orchestras while living in Williamsburg, Virginia. His biggest joy came from being with his grandchildren. He loved to sit on the floor playing games and make children laugh. He was also a loving guardian of many pets throughout his life, often rescuing animals who needed a home. His current pets, Bailey and Whiskers will miss the many treats he was always spoiling them with. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Betty, an ordained Episcopal priest. Bill was a caring father to his daughter, Julie Anderson of Wallingford, and his son, William Long, Jr and his wife Kaori. He was beloved by his grandchildren, Emily Bau, Ethan Bau and Mika Long. Bill leaves behind his sister Maureen McEwen and her husband Tom of Alfred, ME, his brother Frank Long and his wife Anne of Danvers, MA, and many nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by son-in-law Jared Anderson. Bill will be truly missed by his family and the many friends he has made throughout his life in Chelmsford, Acton, Shrewsbury and Sandwich, Massachusetts; Williamsburg, Virginia; and Durham, Connecticut. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 29 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 65 N Main St, Wallingford, CT. Donations in Bill's memory may be made to CAA Research, https://secure.massgeneral.org/caa-research or CPTV (Connecticut Public Broadcasting). To leave a message of remembrance, or for directions, please visit www.BaileyCares.com.