Kenneth Donald Long

Kenneth Donald Long passed away on December 7th, surrounded by loved ones, after a 4-year battle with cancer. He was born in Pittsburgh in 1953 (70 years old), raised in Ravenna, and lived in Kent. He was a man of Faith. Ken was known for his love of his family, strength of character, and athletic achievements. He is a member of the Ravenna School District Hall of Fame. In college he was the captain of the Purdue football team, earned All-Big Ten Honors, was named to the 1975 Playboy All American Team, and was chosen to play in both the Blue-Gray Classic and the Senior Bowl. In the 1976 NFL draft, he was the seventh pick of the second round by the Detroit Lions. In 1981 he signed as a free agent with the Denver Broncos. Following his NFL career, he worked for nearly 30 years at Kent State University as a coach and as Associate Athletic Director. Ken was also the proud head coach of his son’s Parks and Rec soccer team for 7 years. He had a tremendous impact on the lives of all his players, teaching them about more than just sports, and remained in contact with many of them up until his passing.

He joins his father (James), mother (Corinne) and brothers (Don, Bob, Tim) in Heaven, and is survived by his wife (Nancy), son (Ethan), brother (James) and sister (Corinne). Ken showed utmost strength and courage during his battle with cancer. His final wish was to donate his brain to Boston University so they could learn more about CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) to help football players, veterans, and first responders with concussions.

Services will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna on Saturday, December 16th at 11am, with memorial visitation beginning at the church at 10am. Following the service there will be a catered reception at I.C. Hall across the street. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Ken Long Athletic Scholarship. This scholarship will be given out each year to a Ravenna High School student who wants to go into coaching, athletic administration, or athletic training. Donations can be mailed to 955 Edgewater Circle, Kent OH 44240.