Clifton Dee Long

Clifton Dee Long, 42, passed away on July 17, 2026, leaving behind a life far bigger than the number of years he was given and a legacy that will continue through the family he loved beyond measure.

Clifton was born on February 21, 1984, in Stuttgart, Arkansas, to Deborah Schrock and Douglas Long. He graduated from Lawrence High School in Kansas before attending welding school in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Welding would become more than Clifton's profession. It reflected something fundamental about who he was: a builder, a problem-solver, and a man who knew how to take individual pieces and create something strong and lasting.

Fifteen years ago, Clifton left small-town Southern life and made his way to another small town nearly a thousand miles away. He arrived in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, with a few belongings, a dream, and his dog, Sydney, beside him. What he found there became the story of his life. He met Carolyn, the love of his life, built a family, established businesses, formed lifelong friendships, and made an impression on the community that was far greater than he could have imagined when he first arrived.

By profession, Clifton was a welder, business owner, and entrepreneur. He was hardworking, driven, endlessly resourceful, and always thinking about what he could build or create next. But of everything Clifton built during his life, nothing compared to his greatest accomplishment: his family.

Carolyn, Lilly, Connor, and Cohen were Clifton's entire world. His love for them was fierce, steady, and unmistakable. He was an incredible husband, an extraordinary father, and the kind of role model whose influence will remain present in countless moments still to come. The best parts of Clifton are woven into his children. In the ways they love, laugh, work hard, stand up for others, and care for the people around them. The love he gave so freely will not end with his passing. It will move through his family and be carried forward for generations.

Clifton had a rare ability to remain calm in the middle of chaos while somehow also being the life of the party. He was a man of faith, a loyal friend, and one of the most generous people a person could know. He was the kind of man who would stop whatever he was doing to help someone, at any hour and without asking what he would receive in return. Those fortunate enough to call Clifton a friend were lucky beyond measure. To Clifton, friendship was never casual. His friends became family, and he loved them accordingly.

He was happiest outdoors fishing, hunting, or spending time near the water. Whether it was a lake, creek, ocean, or small-town pond, Clifton could find peace there. He loved good music, even better bourbon, and any opportunity to gather with the people he cared about.

Over the years, Clifton also became something of a Pizza Hut connoisseur. The pizza may have been what first drew him in, but anyone who knew him well understood that the salad bar was what kept him coming back. It was one of the many simple pleasures Clifton embraced and one of the countless memories that will continue to bring laughter through the tears.

Clifton is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Long; his children, Lilly, Connor, and Cohen; and their faithful dog, Nola. He is also survived by his parents, Debbie Schrock and Doug Long; his mother-in-law, Beckie Zaleppa; his brothers, Jason Eason and his wife, Kim, and Cole Long and his wife, Taylor; his sister-in-law, Trisha Zaleppa; his brother-in-law, Will Zaleppa and his wife, Christa; his nieces and nephews, Hayden, Laria, Avery, and Harlan; his goddaughter, Everly Malloy; numerous extended family members; and the many friends who became family along the way.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother ("Two Mom") Geraldine Long, grandfather ("Two Dad) Donald Long, and his father-in-law, Paul Zaleppa.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Marcho, Sheldon, and Kukuchka Funeral Home & Cremation Care, located at 73 West Tioga Street, Tunkhannock, PA 18657.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Following the service, friends, family, and members of the community are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life and benefit beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Greenley's, located at 526 Thurston Hollow Road in Tunkhannock. The gathering will be an opportunity to remember Clifton as he lived, with stories, laughter, music, friendship, and a community coming together to care for one another.

In lieu of flowers, or for those unable to attend the Celebration of Life, contributions may be made to support Carolyn and the children as they navigate the days ahead. Helping care for the family Clifton loved so fiercely is a meaningful way to honor his life and carry forward the generosity he showed to so many.

Cash or check contributions may be deposited directly into Carolyn Long's account at:

CityMark Federal Credit Union
501 Hunter Highway
Tunkhannock, PA

Lobby hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Those who live out of town may make checks payable to Carolyn Long and mail them to:

CityMark Federal Credit Union
c/o Carolyn Long Account
225 S. River Street
Plains, PA 18705

Clifton came to Tunkhannock with a dream of building a life. He did far more than that. He built a home, a family, a business, a community of friends, and a legacy of love that will remain long after him. He will be deeply missed, endlessly remembered, and forever present in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.