Obituary of Dorothy E DeLong

Dorothy E. DeLong “Dottie”, 58, of Rome, passed away unexpectedly on October 10, 2020. She was born April 26, 1962, a daughter of Richard and Edith (Osborne) DeLong. Dorothy graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1982. She was employed by NYS School for the Deaf, KFC, and was a childcare provider. Dorothy enjoyed playing bingo, the challenge of a crossword puzzle, collecting Teddy Bears, and spending time with her cat Stripes. Most of all, she enjoyed watching her beloved grandchildren. Dorothy was kindhearted and loved helping any one in need, her babysitting was a help to many. Dorothy is survived by her mother, Edith; beloved children; Michael, Melissa, and Jordan DeLong; her siblings, Francis (Robin) DeLong, Albert DeLong, Christopher DeLong, Angel (Rich) Petrie; her cherished grandchildren; Emily, Aaron, Shauna, AnnaBella, Nathan, Brian, Morgan, and Hayden; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and her best friend Karen Loucks. She was predeceased by her father Richard, and grandparents Dorothy and Francis Osborne. The family would like to thank Don and Louise Smith for all that they have done for Dorothy; a special thanks to the Rome Hospital ER staff, Amcare Ambulance, and the Rome Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating Teddy Bears to Upstate Gollisano Children’s hospital in Dorothy’s name. Teddy Bears may be dropped off at the Funeral Home or Upstate Gollisano Children’s Hospital; 750 E Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 2P.M. at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 12P.M. – 2P.M. prior to the service. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery. Anyone who plans to attend is asked to please wear a face mask and adhere to social distancing requirements. There will be a gathering at the Lake Delta Firehouse, 8508 Elmer Hill Rd in Rome at 4 P.M. to celebrate Dorothy's life.