Edwin Ivan Delong Jr.

Edwin Ivan DeLong Jr., age 72, passed away peacefully and went home to his Heavenly Father on December 19th, 2020. Edwin (Ed) was born on November 25th, 1948 in Philadelphia, PA. He was the only child of Ruth and Edwin DeLong Sr. Ed is survived by his wife of 30 years Linda DeLong, three sons; Benjamin Kirk DeLong, Nathan Andrew DeLong, and Jonathan Bryce DeLong, two stepdaughters; Denise Marie Hamilton and Melanie Christine Knotts and 10 grandchildren. Ed grew up in Rockville and attended Richard Montgomery High School where he graduated in 1966. He went on to enroll and graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Management Program from the University of Maryland in 1971. He began his 40-year federal career at the Federal Aviation Administration in 1971 in the area of Production Programming, and in the mid, to late 70’s he transferred to the Mass Transportation Administration. Ed completed his Federal career as Senior Information Management Specialist and retired on January 1, 2011. During his career, Ed received a Distinguished Service Award, as well as several Achievement Awards for outstanding performance. During his high school and early college years, Ed’s father owned a Cessna airplane which Ed learned to fly in the Civil Air Patrol. In the 1980s, Ed became a leader of Cub Scout Pack 789 in Dunkirk, MD. He also took a great interest in and became active in the Southern MD Celtic Society. He was also involved in the implementation and instruction programs and classes at the Lower Marlboro Methodist Church Sunday School. In 1990, Ed and his wife, Linda joined Chesapeake Church where Ed became involved with the music ministry singing in the chorus; managed the visual screens which allowed the songs and scripture to be available to the congregation and partnered with others to develop small groups ministry. Ed had many hobbies that he enjoyed. He joined a sailing club in the summer of 1982 which allowed sailing on different-size sailboats (mostly 32-foot). He enjoyed building small model train sets with landscapes as well as model sports cars and classic style fixed-wing aircraft. He also enjoyed gardening and sketching home designs. Ed finally purchased his favorite sports car, a 1999 Corvette, after he retired. After his father Ed Sr. died, he traveled to Hawaii in January 1983 and the summer of 1986. He enjoyed camping trips at Rollins Pond, NY as well as Western, MD. Ed and his wife also enjoyed traveling together for both business and pleasure. They traveled leisurely to the Poconos and Bahamas and set forth on four Royal Caribbean cruises to The Bahamas, East Coast, Mediterranean, and Alaska. Ed's beloved wife Linda describes him as a kind, loving, patient, and caring husband and father to his children and grandchildren. He had a sense of humor that could make you smile even on one of your worst days. His ability to inspire his grandchildren during playtime, by getting on the floor with them, was nothing less than heartwarming. He was devoted to his family and found happiness and enjoyment in every family experience. His patience seemed unmatched and he always reminded us how patience was a virtue. He is the Masterpiece God created. The family will receive friends at Chesapeake Church, 6201 Solomons Island Road, Huntingtown, MD 20639 on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM where a Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private. In Lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Edwin DeLong to the End Hunger in Calvert County organization. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Edwin Ivan Delong Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.