Robert Paul Long

Surrounded by family, long time Visalia resident Robert Paul Long passed away on July 23, 2024, in Lone Tree, Colorado. He was born in New Orleans, Louisianna on January 25, 1933. Robert was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Sara Fraser Long. Robert and Sara raised four daughters, Melissa Stevens (Russell), Suzanna Macedo (Rick), Julianne Long (Serena), and Jennifer Schneider (Brian). His daughters gave him six grandchildren (Jack, Joey, Christian, Samantha, Adrian and Allegra) and two great-grandchildren (Silas and Luann). After the death of his father, Robert (Bob) and his mother moved to Fresno when he was 16 years old. Bob attended San Joaquin Memorial High School where he met the love of his life, Sara (Sandy) Fraser. After he graduated from Fresno State University, Bob and Sandy moved to San Francisco where he attended U.C. Hastings College of Law. Bob paid for his education by working summer jobs on a road crew in Yosemite National Park, and working night jobs during the school year at truck stops and restocking shelves at Safeway while in San Francisco. After earning his Juris Doctor Degree and passing the California Bar exam, Robert began his long and esteemed legal career with the Tulare County District Attorney's office in Visalia. Robert entered private law practice and became a founding partner with what would become the largest private law firm in Tulare County: Hurlbutt, Clevenger, Long, Vortmann and Rauber. Over the years, Bob was admitted to practice before higher courts, eventually as high as the U.S. Supreme Court. Bob and Sandy maintained valued relationships with a wide variety of friends, many of whom they associated with as members of the Visalia Country Club. They also hosted family and friends at their mountain cabin in Sugar Pine, and their second home at Borrego Springs. Bob and his family took several camping adventures to the western states and Canada and spent many summer weekends at the cabin. His unique sense of humor was known to many. He had a habit of pulling his car alongside local fruit orchards and talking Sandy into stepping out and grabbing a handful of figs, oranges and other seasonal fruit. With his daughters in the car, he'd slowly drive off leaving Sandy with a handful of illicitly acquired fruit. Everyone enjoyed this game, even Sandy, sort of. Robert is now reunited with Sara, the love of his life. He leaves behind a family and community that respected and admired him for his character as well as his mischievous humor. A Catholic Mass will be held on Friday, October 25th at St. Mary's Church in Visalia at 2:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Visalia Country Club. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org) or to Hospice Foundation of America (https://hospicefoundation.org). Memorial Mass services will be held 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Friday, October 25th, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 608 N. Church Street, Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Robert Paul Long

January 25, 1933 - July 23, 2024