Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Monday October 28th, 2024
Beloved husband of the late Barbara M. Long (nee Dieckhaus); dearest father of Tammie Werkmeister, Kelly (Bill) Studdard, and Patrick Long; loving grandfather of Ryan and Devin (Christen) Werkmeister, Caitlin (Ted) Grimes, Barrett (Bre), Paul, Macauley, Liam and Irena Studdard, Barbara and Allison Long. Great-grandfather of Dylan, Lauren, Owen, Nathaly, Patrick, Brody, Scott, Delaney, and Molly. Denny was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.
Our dear uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend.
Visitation at Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church (6737 South Rock Hill Rd. 63123) Saturday November 9 10:00 AM until funeral mass at 11:00 AM. Funeral Mass will be live streamed at foundersaffton.org
Services conclude at church. Burial was private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/. A service of KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL
A real pleasure to work with Mr. Long….Your contributions to so many will never be forgotten.
My father Mick could not say enough good things about you from your days as classmates at St. Mary’s, the teen towns where your band, played, working together on civic progress projects to better our community….he always said Denny is just a good South St. Louis man.
Thank You!!!
RIP Mr. Long!!!
I knew Mr. Long from AB many years ago. He was always an advocate for the AB employees & I had the utmost respect for him. Peace & prayers to your family during this sad time.
Mr. Long always led with kindness, fueled by a quiet strength that inspired everyone around him strive for excellence. He opened so many doors for me and I traveled around the world playing a sport I love. He made my dreams a reality. There was no dream too big. He taught me that setbacks, failures are stepping stones for future success. He touched so many lives in the soccer community and beyond. I will mourn his loss today but celebrate his life forever. “May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.”
Beautiful tribute Tommy!! Imparted goodness to so many. RIP Mr. Long.
So sorry for your loss. Nice to everyone he met. Union people at the brewery same as company.
He was an exceptional man. He will be missed.
Jim and Linda Ralston.
Mr Long was a wonderful American!
I got my 1st job at AB from him
He will be missed!
Work with Denny many years at Anheuser Busch. I admired and respected his leadership. He was a great human being in all aspects of life.
It was a pleasure to know Mr.Long. He was a good customer of our bakery. Us girls would rush to wait on him because he was just so nice! On St.Patricks day he would buy all the Irish goodies and Irish soda bread. He always had stories to tell. A great Man may he rest in peace 🕊️
Mr.Long was a great and generous friend to St.Mary’s High School and to all of us St.Mary’s alumni that worked with him and for him at Anheuser-Busch. From his early days growing up in the Patch neighborhood of South St.Louis to the A-B corporate boardroom he was a friend to all the people he met along the way. He was a good and kind man. Prayers to Tammie, Kelly, Patrick and the entire Long Family.
A consummate leader and business executive. One of the kindest, most noble men I have ever met. A pleasure and privilege working for him all those years and an honor to have known him as a friend. Despite his power and position, he never let his ego get bent out of shape and never forgot his humble beginnings. He was proud and grateful — but never boastful — of being able to achieve so much. We won’t see his like again.
We are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Long was a great man, his singing was especially superb. It was a pleasure knowing this man.
Thinking of the Long family.
The John H Vogt family.
A very special place in my heart for Mr. and Mrs. Long!
They were very genuine individuals,And very kind human beings to many!!! ❤️
I know they have changed many of peoples lives for the better, with their generosity!!!
Thoughts and prayers are with their families!
The lord has called a very kind and generous man to his kingdom. He will be greeted as he lived, in trusted in the Lords Prayer.
Rest in Peace kind man.
The “Soccer Champ” RIP Mr. Long. You brought soccer to life in St. Louis. Give KOZ a hug for us when you get to heaven. I know you will have a great team up there.
The Kozeny’s
Denny Long was truly one of the good guys. It was a pleasure knowing him through the bakery and at church. I remember one Christmas Eve mass he was by himself, and I asked him to join us and he did. He came by the bakery and wanted to thank me for letting him be with us at mass. Always so kind and gracious. May he rest in peace.
What a figure head for St. Louis and well beyond. A true leader who led us all just by doing the right thing. The Soccer Park, where we all continue to congregate, is just one of his many lasting legacies. My sincere condolences to the Long family and may Denny rest in peace and rise in glory.
Bill McDermott
One of the Good Great Ones…. Mr. Long was in the National Soccer Hall of Fame for his huge impact on the growth if U.S. soccer
Never forgot your name!
Treated Everyone with a kind word and his Awesome Smile!.
A Rare Senior Manager!!!
More Senior Managers should copy his style, it works!
Thank You Dennyu!
Sorry for your loss. Denny was a great guy and never forgot his south St. Louis roots. Enjoyed his singing with his band at teen towns in the god old days. He was a good SM guy.
Gerry Everding
Mr Long was an inspiration, an advocate, a friend, client, and most of all, a friend. He was always accessible, encouraging, and on point. He did so much for US Soccer in the USA and worldwide as well as so many important projects in St. Louis. The Soccer Park and Busch Soccer Club were so important to my sons and me. Please join me in a moment of silence and raise your glasses in reverence. Mr. Long, this Bud’s for you.. Thanks for raising the bar for all of us.
You know, most of us have had people who influenced us at some point throughout our lives, especially in those younger formative years. I have thought about him often as I was fortunate to have had him as a soccer coach, a neighbor while growing up in Crestwood, and of course land a position at A-B. Other than my own family, he and Barbara were some of the most important people in my life that helped me be the man I am today. I thank God he was he was there for me. May he rest in peace.
Denny was a great example to so many people by being so selfless. He always had time to visit. You forgot that you were talking with the President of the largest brewery in the world. His impact on the sport of soccer in St.Louis will live forever. My memory is what a good person he was-along with his smile and laugh. Erin go Bragh!
An Ode to Denny Long
Here’s to Denny, a South St. Louis soul,
A man of kindness, humble and whole.
With heart and hand, he led the way,
In his quiet strength, we saw the day.
From St. Mary’s halls to the brewery floors,
He built up dreams, he opened doors.
For those at work and those at play,
His generous spirit lit the way.
With soccer fields, he carved a path,
For champions born in joy and wrath.
The world spun fast, yet still he stayed,
True to his roots where he was made.
A song he sang, from heart so strong,
In teen towns, echoed long.
The bakery girls would see his face,
With Irish bread, he’d fill the place.
To St. Vincent, Mercy, friends in need,
In each good act, he sowed a seed.
A quiet leader, rare and true,
Denny, this world was blessed by you.
Raise a glass and bow a head,
For a friend who gave, a man well-bred.
Rest now, Denny, in peace and grace,
Your life’s good work, no one can replace.
And may the Irish hills enfold you tight,
In endless green and endless light.
Forever held in those you’ve known,
The legacy of Denny has fully grown.
“May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” And may that song be your favorite Irish ballad! You have brought such joy and kindness to others and I am blessed to be the receiver of your acts of kindness. AB was never the same after he left.
A Gaelic farewell: “May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rain fall softly upon your fields until we meet again, And may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”
May your memories carry you as you grieve his loss.
Our thoughts and prayers to the long family.
On behalf of the National Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America I offer sincere condolences to the Dennis Patrick Long Family he was our 1988 John F. Kennedy Award recipient.
I met Mr. Long once, at Sam’s Steakhouse where he had a personal office. I was smitten by his charm, graciousness and wit. He will be missed.
Mr. Long was not only a pillar of the community but a wonderful family man! Lots of memories from grade school.
Rest in peace.
I joined A-B in 1983. On my first week, I was invited to a happy hour hosted by Denny. He welcomed me to the company and asked if I had played soccer. I told him I played in fourth grade but quit after that. He nodded that nod of disappointment, shook my hand, welcomed me one more time and went to a different part of the room. Fifteen minutes later he tapped my shoulder and whispered “I presume you mean you quit school. Because nobody quits soccer.”
Our condolences to Patrick and all of the Long family and friends. What a wonderful guy. What a modest man. Always ready to lend a hand. Never one to grab credit . You don’t find many like him .Denny will be missed.
Mr. Long’s unyielding confidence in me and generosity for me changed my life and the lives of so many players who had the privilege to call him “coach” in our younger years. As we grew so did his positive influence, from international tournaments to summer internships at AB, to 1st generation college recruiting trips all made possible because of his generosity and our shared love of soccer. I thought about Mr. Long often throughout my college soccer career. As I built my professional career I thought about Mr. Long often. As a father I thought about Mr. Long often. For me Mr. Long inspired a belief in myself that would not only change my life but lives for generations to follow and for that I am forever grateful. I will continue to think about Mr. Long often and continue to stive to make him proud just as I did when I called him “coach”.
“May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face.
May the rains fall upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.”
Our prayers are with The Long Family
Mr & Mrs. Long were inspirational. We were
blessed to have them in our life. Mr. & Mrs.
Long helped us very much! Our prayers
are for the Long family!
Thanks for everything!
Dan & Maureen Murphy Abkemeier
Barbara. my sincere prayers are with you and your family for the loss of your amazing husband! All my thoughts are also with you during this time. Thinking about all our past memories with you. Dorothy and. of, course with Denny. Stay strong!
To us St. Mary’s grads, he was the ultimate role model and trail blazer. A St. Mary’s grad who rose from the factory to the President of Anheuser Busch. Who could write that script?
RIP Denny, you gave us dreams to believe in.
Mr. Long, very simply, changed my life. So many of my friends and my very best life experiences are a result of my involvement in and love for soccer. My lifetime of soccer began with Busch Gardens Soccer Club. The way Mr. Long took care of us as young people sent a very clear message that we mattered. I was always so proud to be a part of his club, because of what he and it stood for — excellence. Today, I’m still a part of the club that he established, and I’m still trying to give kids that same feeling that he gave me. His legacy endures and will continue to endure. I am forever grateful to Mr Long. May he rest in the peace of Christ.
There was no one else like him. As President of the brewery he was its heart and soul. Love by everyone we were all proud to say we knew him. Played on his first Bush Gardens teams back in 1976 and you could feel the passion he had for the game and shared it will everyone around him. AB lost a true leader and maybe just maybe things could have turned out differently.
Denny’s contributions to the success of Anheuser-Busch were extraordinary, particularly during the “Beer War” when Philip Morris purchased Miller Brewing with the expressed purpose of dethroning Budweiser as the King of Beers. Denny marshaled the wholesalers and all A-B employees after a devasting strike to get everyone focused on the mission to defeat Miller. He even passed out “Miller Killer” tee shirts. He created A-B’s Total Marketing program enabling A-B to fight Miller on every front in every neighborhood. We at D’Arcy Advertising always held Denny in very high regard. He was a gentlemanly general, always thoughtful and insightful. Had Denny not been in his position at the time, and had A-B lost the Beer War, there would be no A-B In Bev as we know it today.
Patrick I just found out about the passing of your father OR to me Mr. Long my first soccer coach.
I’m sorry for you loss.
He had such a inspiring and positive impact on my childhood life through being a player for him that I think my life could’ve been on a lesser positive track where I at least could possibly be less successful.
With it being around five years that I spent with him as a coach I could say that he was like a second father figure for me.
My prayers and thoughts.
Like to many others Mr Long was a mentor to me as well, not only for the many many opportunities he provided, but 2 stories (could have been 2000) how he brought people together.
My brother Tim and hundreds of his special needs friends loved the chance to play soccer thanks to the many times Mr Long provided facilities, equipment, people and organized many soccer events. Then in the mid-eighties following the Shamrock Games about a dozen college interns from Ireland came to work at AB where I also worked with several of the interns. I became life long friends with one of the interns from Cork Ireland (Peter) and Peter is one of our son’s godfather.
What a Man!
Tammie, Kelly, Patrick & Family, you will all be in our prayers!
He did more for soccer than most people will ever realize. A quiet giant and proponent of the beautiful game. He was many things to many people. He deeply appreciated the beauty of simplicity and allowed our sport to grow as it has over the years. A true gentleman who we will miss. RIP and thanks!!
Kelly, I’m sorry to hear of your dad’s death. He was hard working and was respected by many. Your mom and dad held a special place in our family growing up. God bless your family now and in the days to come. Dee Dee Borzillo
Hey Patrick, I was sorry to hear about your dad, he was always a kind man.
GOD BLESS YOU BUDDY 💛💜🙏🙏🙏
You will be sorely missed, although your legacy will live on!
RIP to one of the most genuine, caring, giving -monetary & giving of himself – man I’ve known.
His smile & hearty laugh lights up any room
He taught me a lot.
And for that,
I thank you Mr. Long
My father, Jerry Berra, also expresses his condolences.
He & I were fortunate enough to have a visit with him not too long ago.
We were there for about 3 hours.
On our way home my Dad said,
“That was one of the most enjoyable conversations I’ve ever had”.
Much respect.
Mr. Long was one of the most genuine, caring, giving—monetarily and of himself—men I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.
He taught me a lot. And for that, I thank you, Mr. Long.
My father, Jerry, also expresses his condolences. He and I were fortunate enough to visit with him just a couple months ago. We were there for three hours, at least. On our way home, my Dad said, “That was one of the most enjoyable conversations I’ve had in some time.”
I could go on about the man I affectionately called “DPL.”
RIP
In Loving Memory of Dennis “Denny” Long
Denny, was my uncle, my godfather, my coach, and a beacon of light in my life.
He played a pivotal role in shaping my future, helping me get to Rollins College, where I would go on to meet my wife. Without Denny’s help, I wouldn’t have the family I cherish today, nor the life I’ve been able to build. But what strikes me most is realizing just how many others share a similar story. I wasn’t the only one he helped; there are countless people whose lives were transformed by Denny’s kindness, guidance, and willingness to give a leg up. He changed not just individual lives but entire family trees, creating ripple effects that will be felt for generations.
As I look back, I realize that so many of the positive aspects of my life are directly influenced by Denny. Growing up, I had few positive role models, so I looked to him as an example. The way I treat my wife and daughter, the way I conduct myself in business, and even the way I coach kids in soccer—all of it comes from him. The last 20 years of my career, where I’ve focused on mentoring others, helping people get started, or supporting them in their career growth—that’s all thanks to Denny’s influence.
Denny wasn’t just my uncle or my coach; he was the embodiment of everything good I aspired to be. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, kindness, and an immeasurable positive impact on so many lives. I can’t think of a single person who has touched more lives for the better than my uncle Denny. His light continues to shine through all of us who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on through so many of us.
Our sincere condolences to Patrick, Tammie, Kelly, Barbara, Allison and the extended families on the loss of Denny.
Denny was a man amongst men, a great friend to all, an outstanding Christian who never forgot his roots particularly with his many Irish friends. Denny you will be sadly missed. Farewell.
Tony, Sheila, Eoin, Tony jnr & Peter Brazil
Limerick, Ireland.
Denny,
Thank you for all the work you gave us in Ireland many years ago which helped us become the company we are today. You were always a kind Christian person. Will you put in a good word for me to the Man above🌹🌹🌹🌹. Liam
Tammie and family, I am so sorry about the death of your Dad. He was an amazing man and raised a beautiful family. I will be praying for all of you. May eternal rest be granted to Mr. Long, oh Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.
In loving memory of Dennis Patrick Long may you rest in peace Denny with Bard at your side my dear friend and may god and his angels bless you and surround you and Barb with love peace and happiness forever.
Well what can you say about this amazing man Dennis Long a true gentleman a mentor to so many full of kindness love and generosity loved by so many never forgot his roots his legacy will last for generations to come.
Denny was for sure one of a kind once you met him you would never forget him he was a special person I don’t think personally anyone we will truly ever know the positive loving impact Denny had on so many lives he touched along his journey of life what a wonderful amazing human being.
Personally my sincere thanks to Denny for all the love kindness and generosity to myself and the Lane family in Ireland we are all so grateful thank you Denny.
Rest in peace my dear friend
I met Mr. Long my Senior year of college at Benedictine College. He was such a booster, always helping and picking up this or that. I was at a party and Coach John Casey and Mr. Long were talking and Coach called me over to meet Mr. Long. That year I was fortunate to be named first team All-American 1983 NAIA by the NSCAA. They have a convention every year to honor all the players of all the divisions. Mr. Long handed me a check to take care of my trip since the school did not have it in their budget. About 15 minutes later he came back, asked for the check back and tore it up. He said, “ you should go 1st class for this accomplishment. I will have my secretary contact the travel agency and make all the arrangements.” Mr. Long did. I was a 21-year-old, who had never met him but he shared his love for soccer, not for him but anybody. I never forgot his kindness, generosity and his ability to put others before himself. He is heaven and will always be watching from there.