Roll Call Tribute

John G. Long 

July 27, 1943 - February 18, 2026 

John Long, 82, of Coral Springs, Florida, passed away on February 18, 2026.

Born to Henry and Ann Long in Tampa, Florida, John was raised in El Dorado, Arkansas, where he graduated from El Dorado High School. He went on to attend Texas A&M University, proudly serving in the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets — a commitment and loyalty he maintained throughout his life.

After college, John began his career with Ingersoll Rand, launching an international chapter of his life and a lifelong appetite for global experiences. His first assignment took him to Caracas, where he met his first wife, Rosemary. Together they welcomed their daughter, Vanessa (1971). The family later moved to Oslo, where their son, John Ragnar (1973), was born. John’s career and adventurous spirit led the family to several European and US homes before ultimately settling in Coral Springs in 1984.

John and Rosemary were married for 28 years until her death from a brain tumor in 1998. In 2017, John endured the heartbreaking loss of his son, John Ragnar, to colon cancer — a loss no father should ever have to bear.

After Rosemary’s passing, John found love again with longtime friend, Frances (“Frankie”). They married in 2000 and shared 26 beautiful years together, building both a life and a business. Together they owned and operated Florida Packaging and Graphics, traveled the world, attended countless symphonies and Broadway performances, and spent their days laughing, playing with their animals, and enjoying a full and vibrant life. Frankie was the life partner he needed, the friend he deserved, and the love he cherished.

Golf was not simply a pastime for John — it was a lifelong passion and a pursuit of excellence. In his prime, he was a master of the game. In 2017, John and Frankie joined Boca Rio Golf Club. He loved the club, the facilities, and the people, and always talked about how happy he was on that course. In recent years, one of his greatest joys was playing alongside his grandson, Rowan John, who attends Florida Atlantic University. Passing down both his love of the game and his hard-earned skill — and spending that treasured time together — meant everything to him.

John was known for his boundless optimism, outgoing nature, and ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. He saw the good in people and approached life with enthusiasm and humor. He had a deep love for classical music, a well-crafted glass of scotch or fine wine, and beautifully engineered sports cars — always appreciating precision, excellence, and artistry in all its forms.

He was a devoted father, husband, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Frankie; his daughter, Vanessa; his grandson, Rowan; and his brother, George. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Ann Long; his brothers, Henry Jr. and Richard; his first wife, Rosemary; and his son, John Ragnar.

He leaves behind many broken hearts, but also a legacy of joy, resilience, optimism, dedication, and love. His light lives on in the music played, the fairways walked, the stories told, and the lives he touched. He will be remembered as a kind-hearted man who lived fully and passionately.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Boca Rio Country Club (22041 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton).

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Texas A&M Corp of Cadets Association: 

Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association, Attn: Honor/Memorial Gifts, 1134 Finfeather Road, Bryan, TX 77803-3823.