Dea. Marion Alfonso Long Obituary in Richmond at Scotts Funeral Home

Obituary For Dea. Marion Alfonso Long

Marion Alfonso Long was born on October 19, 1954, in Richmond Virginia and departed this life to be with our Lord and Savior on March 30, 2023. He was at peace and surrounded by his loved ones. Now at rest, he joins his loved ones in glory—most notably his parents, James Long Sr. and Lucille J. Long as well as his sister, Barbara L. Johnson. Marion received a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1976. His very resilient work ethic began at the age of twelve when he had a newspaper route. Marion’s passion for hard work led him to retire from the State of Virginia after 30 years, and he also retired from the National Fire Data Center, an interagency department of the U.S. Fire Administration and FEMA. He loved analyzing data and compiling statistics. He often described himself as “a numbers guy”. His passion for numbers amazed many because he kept “the stats” on almost every aspect of his life. Marion also participated in training fire service personnel and program managers on data management and use throughout the country. He was considered a subject matter expert on fire data analysis and fire statistics, which allowed him to travel to all 50 states. He has been featured in the Firehouse Newsletter and has recorded several videos sharing his expertise with future fire professionals. Marion served in leadership roles on the National Fire Incident Reporting System board for over 30 years. Marion was a dedicated athlete and participated in both Richmond’s half and full marathons. Marion also participated in the Marine Corps Marathon in 1993 and the Philadelphia Marathon in the 1990s. He began running in marathon events in 1989 and participated in his last event in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented him from participating in marathons in 2020 and 2021. He kept careful records of all his runs for 17 years and ran over 25,143 miles during that time period (for reference the circumference of the Earth at the equator is 24,860 miles). Marion was a recognized scout leader for the Boy Scouts of America in 1997 when his sons were participating in the Boy Scouts. He also proudly coached his daughter Sarah’s recreation basketball team for one season. Marion was a faithful member of Zion Baptist Church, South Richmond, since childhood. He served on the Diaconate for over 25 yrs. Marion was a dedicated servant leader. He also delivered a unique weekly inspirational biblical phone voice message called “Wonderful Wednesdays” for several years. He was a devout Christian and loved the Lord. His love for his family was evident and he put God and family first. He read his Bible daily and memorized his favorite scriptures including I Corinthians 13: 4-11 and Proverbs 3:5. Marion married Brenda Houston from Merrick, Long Island, New York, on February 29, 1980. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife and three children, William M. Long, David B. Long, and Sarah E. Long; brothers, Elder James Long Jr. and Rev. Dr. Thomas Long (Birda); sisters, Julia Conley and Roxanne Jefferson (Randy); aunt, Theo Jones; nieces, Adanta Johnson, Juanita Sheree-Long Giles, Vonda Johnson, Duanda Thomas, Matesha Coleman, Demetris Campbell, Andretta Long, and Shameka Jefferson; nephews, Rodney Long, Duane Thomas (Debbie), Edward Johnson, Jr., Dennis Watson and Cornelius Jefferson III; great nieces and nephews; cousins, Thomas Long, Rev. Michael Jones, Sr. and Raymond Jones Jr.; sister-in-law, Patricia Houston; brother-in-law, Lucius Houston; other relatives, his Zion Baptist Church Family and many friends.

For over a decade Marion wrote a yearly Christmas letter providing family updates to friends and family. He called it the Long’s Chronicle. He would close the letter with a reflection and words of inspiration for the next year. Below are his final words on the last Long’s Chronicle he penned in December 2021. May we keep these words and his blessed memory in our hearts: "Year 2022 can be full of growth and opportunities.” Be watchful and ready for the doors that will open for you and be reflective and thankful of those doors that will close. Our hope for you and your family for the new year is that you may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that you may have the full riches of complete understanding (Colossians 2:2-5), that you continue to set big goals, that you believe in others and love one another, and that you set good examples for others to follow. Stay faithful, focused, helpful, meaningful, prayerful, safe, and truthful.”

Remains rest at Scott’s Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday, April 13, 2023. The family will receive friends from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday, April 14 at Second Baptist Church, 3300 Broad Rock Blvd. followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. Rev. Thomas Long officiating. Interment Dale Memorial Park, 10201 Newbys Bridge Road, Chesterfield. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marion’s memory can be made to John Hopkins Comprehensive Brain Tumor Center, 1800 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21287 or Zion Baptist Church, of South Richmond Children's and Youth Ministry, 2006 Decatur Street, Richmond, VA 23224.

To access the livestream on YouTube one can either use this URL: https://m.youtube.com/@secondbaptistchurchsouthsi5852/featured

Once the page loads, click on LIVE 10-15mins before the service start-time and one should see the video icon with Livestream.

Alternatively, one can: 1. In your browser window go to the Second Baptist Church website at www.2bcsouthside.org 2. Once on the website, scroll to the bottom and click the YouTube link that is beneath the “SERMONS ON YOUTUBE” heading 3. Once the page loads click on “Live” 4. You should be presented with a video screen labelled for the funeral of Deacon Long

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Nehemiah House Ministries sent Sweet Tranquility Basket for Dea. Marion Alfonso Long - April 13, 2023

From Nehemiah House Ministries, Baltimore, Maryland is prayer and support of Deacon Duane Thomas and family. Our Sincerest Condolences.
NHM Family

Send flowers for Dea. Marion Alfonso Long

Marcus Pinckney sent Deeply Adored for Dea. Marion Alfonso Long - April 12, 2023

Sending love from Hampton brothers from another mother, Tyrone, Marcus, Marlon, Anthony and Hobbit.

My deepest sympathy to the Long family for their great loss, and to members of the fire service as well. Seldom in our working careers do we meet a person as focused and patient, dedicated yet humble as Marion. He was an asset to the USFA and the NFIRS, and it was a privilege to work with him. Rest in peace, Marion, we will think of you often. Marianne Casey

Brenda, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family on your loss. I continue to think of you and your family. Darlene Jackson-Gilmer( from Va Medical Center and Richmond Alumnae DST)

Marion is a tremendous soul that will forever grace us all. His professional contributions are but one aspect of his life that I was privileged to walk a few steps next to him. His personal journey is one for all to reflect upon and grow as that is what Marion wishes for us all. Kevin S. Brame - Deputy Fire Chief (ret.) North Las Vegas FD(NV) USFA Branch Chief (ret.)

To the Long family, It's with deepest condolences we send prayers to you at this time. If there was anything to know about numbers Marion was the go-to-man. Our fondest memory was receiving the christmas letter of each and every family members achievements yearly!!! Which was awesome.
Conrad & Sharon Feggins. Zion Baptist Church South Richmond.

Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to Brenda Long and family. Uncle Marion was a beacon, full of life and a gentle man. He always had kind words when we spoke. Your memories will live on forever.
Peace and Blessings,
Vonda Johnson and Family

Marion was a teacher, colleague, and friend. We worked together for nearly twenty years, and there are few who provide the passion and devotion to data as you have. The entire fire service lost a champion. Deepest condolences to family. Rest easy, my friend. Dave Millstein, USFA

Marion was always quick to respond to a question and always made you feel like you were the most important part of his day. I had the privilege to learn from him on multiple occasions while at the National Fire Academy and then utilized him as a reference for numerous NFIRS questions. He will be deeply missed, not just for his knowledge, but the way he made people feel by the kindness he showed them. With deepest condolences, Jonathan Lund, Des Moines, IA

On my first day as NFIRS Program Manager for the State of Kansas, Marion took the time out of his day to call me, introduce himself, and explain the importance of NFIRS data collection. In a brief 10–15-minute conversation I learned more from Marion than I did during two weeks of job orientation. From then, Marion was an excellent resource for anything data related and was always willing to help. He will be dearly missed; may he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with Marion's family and friends. - William Hall, Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal, Topeka, KS

Marion was a big inspiration to the family. He always had an encouraging word to give you. He will be truly miss.

I had the honor of working with Marion at the National Fire Academy. He was the ultimate gentleman and professional. His dedication was unmatched. He was taken much too early but he rests in peace in God arms.

I want to offer my condolences to the family. My association with Marion minimal but was in the fitness facility of the National Fire Academy. He was a gladiator when it came to the treadmill. And then the obvious he was a master of the data and the data network of the National Fire Incident and Reporting System. Rest well Marion and thanks to the family for the light he shared and light that will continue in and through his posterity! 3 John 1:4 Ken Tyree - West Virginia State Fire Marshal

I was fortunate to learn from Marion at the National Fire Academy in 2018. He was very passionate about data and delivered the information in such a clear manner - making it easy to understand. I still use some of his examples today when I teach. I will continue to keep his family and friends in my prayers.
Angela Potter - Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal Prevention Bureau

We offer our greatest sympathy. From the Office of Florida State Fire Marshal

Ohio sends our deepest condolences to the family and USFA Family of Marion Long. I've had the opportunity to spend many hours with Marion over the last 6 years. We would often joke about my call when he would stop me and say, ok, what's the first question. Like others, Marion always inspired people to think about the big picture by answering the smaller questions first. I consider him a mentor and he will be missed greatly, but his legacy lives on in every data champion that he inspired over his tenure. Lost but never forgotten Marion.
Anita Metheny, Bureau Chief Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal

Thirty four years ago, when I became the NFIRS State Program Manager for the State of New Hampshire, the first person I reached out to for help was Marion. Ever since then, there has not been a single instance where I did not learn something from my dear friend. We traveled the United States together for many years promoting the value of good data, something that he excelled at. Brenda, David, Michael and Sarah: please know that Marion touched and influenced many lives across this great country. I know that I am more knowledgeable and a better person for having known him. My heart is broken and his passing makes for a dark day for me. My love and prayers are with you.
Rob Farley, NH State Fire Marshal's Office, Concord, NH

Marion left an indelible mark on many lives across the country as witnessed by the tributes coming in here (and other professional forums). We all have a funny anecdote and memories about his favorite stories and aphorisms about the importance of data be it for justifying a budget request or during marathon preparation. I recall Marion sharing that he had calculated how many hours a year he spends responding to questions that start: "Do you have a minute for a quick question?" Marion often wore a shirt emblazoned with "Follow The Rules", which might have suggested to those who did not know him that he was a stern and unyielding type of person, but for those of us that did know him spoke to his passion and his life's work helping fire departments big and small understand and demonstrate the value of the services they provide. We and all the communities and organizations we all serve are better for the Marion's contributions. RIP Marion.

I join others from Marion's professional world in expressing our condolences to Marions family and loved ones. He made such a positive impact on the Montgomery County (Maryland) Fire and Rescue Service, and on so many others throughout the United States. Marion was a wonderful, insightful, thoughtful man who found his way into a career that certainly embraced his passion for numbers. Many of us were blessed to have crossed paths with Marion, and those interactions were certainly captured, cataloged, and analyzed. Marion was a true champion for making the world better through the use of good data. He has left a legacy, and he will be missed.
We were fortunate to have him speak to several of our Firefighter Recruit Classes last decade. I smile when I see references to Marion and the mark that he has made on our next generation. RIP sir. Jim Resnick, Community Risk Reduction Section, Montgomery County (MD) Fire and Rescue Service

A true national treasure lost forever. Always willing to help everyone to understand the power of NFIRS and data. Thanks for everything you did. I will miss you.
Dave Holmerud - Carlsbad CA

Marion's dedication to the collection of the nation's fire data as a tool to save lives and property, his passion for accuracy and rules, and his ability to share his knowledge with students has had a positive impact on the collection and analysis of fire data in the nation. I was honored to have been taught by him and I am so sorry for your loss. Mike Sinsigalli, West Hartford, CT

Brenda and family: our prayers are for you during this challenging period. May God comfort your entire family. George and Shirley Joyner

Brenda & family! No words can express the pain in my heart! Marion was the one that hell this family together! He did for us all! He was that brother l could always call when l needed him! I truly will miss him! Hold on to God's unchanging hands! He is in control & will continue to guide us! I am here if you need me!

My deepest sympathy to my dear friend Brenda Long and her family, Deacon Long will truly be missed.
Calpernia R Gustus and the Ford Family

You will be missed my friend. Thank you for your friendship and mentorship and encouraging words with me. You truly impacted my life. I am praying for the Brenda and family. Brenda, thank you for sharing Marion with the fire service!
Kevin Lundy - Gulfport MS

The United States Fire Administration sends its deep condolences to learn of the passing of our dear colleague and friend. Many across the country will miss his enthusiasm for is profession and his willingness to share. May peace be with the family.
Tonya L. Hoover, Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator FEMA/USFA