Derek William Long

Derek W. Long, 67, passed away peacefully at his home in Temple, NH, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, following a brief battle with cancer.

Born in Arlington, VA, on October 26, 1957, Derek was the son of the late Charles W. and Vera A. (Cracknell) Long. He grew up in Vienna, VA, where he was an active member of the Cardinal Hill Swim Team and earned the rank of First Class Boy Scout. Derek also participated in the 1973 marching band playing the sousaphone for President Nixon’s Inauguration. He was proud to be part of that band which set a Guinness World Record as the largest marching band. He graduated from Madison High School in 1976 and went on to attend Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA., graduating with a degree in Business in 1981. This set him on the path to becoming a successful purchasing manager, working for various companies. During his summers in college, Derek worked for the National Park Service at the Wolf Trap Performing Arts Center in Vienna, VA. Over the years, Derek and his family lived in places like Baltimore, MD, and Nashua, NH, before settling in Temple, NH.

A true outdoorsman, Derek found peace and connection with God in nature. He spent countless hours skiing, swimming, fishing, canoeing, camping, and hiking often accompanied by his beloved dog, Piper, on local trails. Music was also a key part of his life. He spent hours enjoying his vast album collection and played several instruments, including the bassoon, sousaphone, guitar, and piano.

Above all, Derek was a dedicated family man who cherished time with his wife, sons, and extended family. He eagerly anticipated the annual family vacations and was always ready to lend a helping hand to family and neighbors with any project. Known for his quick wit and sense of humor, Derek was a punster who never failed to bring a smile to those around him.

Derek leaves behind his beloved wife of 37 years, Denise (Jester) Long of Temple, NH; their sons, Andrew (Martina) Long of Unity, NH, and Gregory (Jean) Long of Milford, NH; two sisters, Virginia (Jack) Curcia of Leesburg, FL, and Cindi Adams of New Market, VA; his brother, Malcolm (Sara) Long of Elkins, WV; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Family and friends are warmly invited to Calling Hours which will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 1:00PM to 2:00PM at the Cournoyer Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 33 River Street, (US Rte. 202) Jaffrey, NH 03452. A memorial service will immediately follow calling hours in the funeral home chapel beginning at 2:00PM.

In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, Derek’s family encourages everyone to donate blood to the American Red Cross, just as Derek did throughout his life, in hopes of making a difference and hopefully saving someone’s life in a very simple way.