Bruce Lester Long Jr.

Bruce Lester Long, Jr., 88, of Liberty, PA passed away Wednesday July 22, 2026, in his home surrounded by family. Lester was a Navy veteran, a dairy farmer, and above all, a devoted and loving family man. He was born March 4, 1938, in Liberty, to Mildred (Clark) and Bruce Lester Long Sr. He graduated from Liberty High School in 1957 and then began his military service. On November 19, 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Janis Kay Gleason. They shared sixty-five years of marriage. Together, they traveled the globe, living in states including AK, DE, FL, MA and VA, and countries including Canada, Iceland, and Antigua. They always returned to PA where the Long family has had a farm for more than 100 years. Upon his mother's death, Lester left the Navy and took over the farm, spending nearly a decade working the land he loved before returning to the Navy in the 1970s. The couple raised four children, share seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, whom he considered his greatest legacy. Lester was also a dedicated son, brother, uncle and cousin who took pride in the accomplishments of every family member.

At a young age, Lester felt called to military service, and had a distinguished 28-year career in the United States Navy. Among his many commendations, in 1980 he was selected Sailor of the Year for the Navy Ocean Systems Command. He was a member of United Methodist Men, and an active member of many congregations, most recently at Nauvoo Christian Fellowship Church. He always found time to volunteer and gave generously to local and national charities. He served as vice president of the Tioga County F.F.A., was a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Fleet Reserve Association and the American Legion. He was an avid reader, loved history and archaeology, and enjoyed working outdoors and fixing engines.

Lester is survived by his wife: Janis Long of Liberty; two daughters: Deborah Long of Liberty and Sandra (William) Mohrman of Rochester; two sons: Daniel (Denise) Long of Mansfield, and Steven (Jennifer Hensel) Long of Trenton, NJ; seven grandchildren: Joshua Long, Matthew Long, Elizabeth (Thomas) Hale, and Rebecca Long; Ken (Allie) Mohrman, Katherine Mohrman, Andrew Mohrman, two great-grandchildren: Isla and Malachi Mohrman; three sisters: June Gulliver, Rose Bates, and Eleanor Tanner; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Timothy and William Long, and two sisters: Daisy Long and Elma Wretlind.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Lester's life from 2-3pm Saturday August 8, 2026, at the Nauvoo Christian Fellowship Church with service to follow at 3pm in the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, or the Nauvoo Christian Fellowship Church 46 Linck Hill Road, Morris, PA 16938. His family has entrusted arrangements to the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home 139 Main Street Wellsboro, PA 16901. To share a memory or condolence with Lester's family visit www.tusseymosher.com.