Eugene “Gene” Clifford DeLong, 84, of Bath, East Allen Township, died unexpectedly Jan. 1, 2025, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg campus, Bethlehem.

Born Aug. 7, 1940, in Lenhartsville, Berks County, he was a son of the late Ruth DeLong.

The loving husband of the late Dawn (Kaufman) DeLong, the couple celebrated 51 years of marriage on Sept. 28, 2019.

He entered the U.S. Army Infantry in 1960 and was a member of the 82nd Airborne serving as a paratrooper for the duration of his enlistment and his character of service was noted as honorable.

When he returned from the service in January 1963, he began work at Lehigh Valley Dairy, Allentown, where he met his future wife.

In December 1968, he was hired by Allegheny Airlines as a customer service agent at ABE Airport and worked for USAirways Airlines for 25 years until his retirement in 1993.

He was currently employed by Houser Auctioneers where he worked and assisted in the preparation of many auctions during the last 32 years.

He loved all things regarding aviation, traveling, and he was always ready to help his family and friends with anything at a moment’s notice.

He loved being busy and enjoyed gardening and caring for his 19 flower beds.

He enjoyed baking cookies and treats for his loved ones and adored “The King,” Elvis Presley.

He even traveled with his daughter to Graceland as research for one of her junior high school history projects.

He loved collecting old and unique bottles and had a very extensive collection.

A member of Forks of the Delaware Bottle Club, he attended many bottle shows over the years.

Chapter leader of the Lehigh Valley Chapter of The Compassionate Friends for 20 years, he assisted bereaved parents and family members as they navigated their way through their grief journeys.

A Master Mason with Manoquesy Lodge 413 in Bath, Rajah Shrine, a former member of The Tin Lizzies, he was past president of the Bethlehem Shrine Club.

He participated in many of the philanthropic Masonic events throughout the years but his favorite was always The Rajah Shrine Circus in Reading.

He was a member of Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua and a former member of the Fairview Cemetery Committee, Whitehall.

His survivors include a daughter Jamie R., at home; and sister-in-law Jill (Kaufman) Lichty of Mechanicsburg.

He was predeceased by his son, David Gene DeLong, in 1990, and his half-brother Donald.

His viewing and visitation with family and friends will be 5-7 p.m. Jan. 9 in Gilbert Funeral Home, 444 Pershing Blvd., Whitehall.

A Masonic service will be bestowed at 7 p.m.

His interment service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made directly to his family. Make checks payable to Jamie R. DeLong and mail to 444 Pershing Blvd. Whitehall, PA 18052, or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Attn: Office of Development, Tampa, FL. 33607 or at lovetotherescue.org.