Ashland--- Norman "Shorty" J. Long, 90, passed away May 6, 2016 at The Aroostook Medical Center, after a long hard fight with COPD, surrounded by all his loving family. He was born January 15, 1926 in Portage, the son of the late Thomas & Alice (Dugas) Long.

Shorty was a Navy Veteran, serving as a gunnery man on the U.S.S. WASP.  He had many titles and jobs during his life and did whatever was needed to support his family. He worked at Ashland Water & Sewer, Charles Brooks, Carpenter, and most recently and retiring as Water Treatment Plant Supervisor at Loring Air Force Base for 25 years. He was a lifetime member of the Ashland Fire Department for 61 years, where he also became Honorary House Chief.  He dedicated his life and time to his community in so many ways, but mostly to the love of his church and cemeteries for 35 years. He knew a back-hoe like no other and would often be found digging holes where no one else would go. He had many fond memories of socializing with friends and family along with family trips and gatherings at the family camp at St. Froid Lake. He loved to fish and was so often seen poling down the Big Machias River in his boat with both boys or with his long time fishing buddy Rene Cloukey.  He served on many boards, clubs and organizations -- way too many to list! He will be greatly missed by special friends: Patti Neilson, Stan Anderson, Ida Charette and all the girls at Ashland One-Stop; thanks for the great, daily curb side service. The family would like to express a sincere thanks to the many caregivers who aided in his wonderful care and rehab: Maine Veterans Home, TAMC ER, Medical Surgical Floor nurses and doctors. You all were amazing.

He is survived and will be greatly missed by his family: two sons, Norman "Dick" R. Long and wife Kathy of Presque Isle and Patrick Long and wife Tracy of Ashland; two very special grandchildren, Christopher (his little gopher) and Danielle Long Boyles and her husband Eric, both of Ashland; two great grandchildren, Landon and Lainey; one sister, Stella Homovich of Anna Maria Is., FL; and many special nieces and nephews.

Shorty is predeceased by his wife of 66 years Bernadette "Bunny" Long, a daughter, Barbara Ann, two brothers, Lawrence and Clarence Long, one sister, Ella York, and a special companion for many years, the family dog "Fluffy".

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at St. Mark's Catholic Church, Allen Farm Rd., Ashland. Relatives and friends may greet the family Tuesday 6-8:00 PM and Wednesday morning 9-10:45 AM at the church. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Shorty's name may be made to: Ashland Fire Department or Ambulance Department, PO Box 910, Ashland, ME 04732. Arrangements are a service of Lajoie Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St./PO Box 39, Ashland. To share condolences online, please visit www.LajoieFuneralHome.com