Last August, Douglass Harrison, left, president of WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital, talks with Howard Long, who donated another $206,000 to the Howard Long Wellness Center for renovations to the facility. Long died Jan. 26 at the age of 91. (File Photo/Joselyn King)

WHEELING – Howard Long, the founder of Coronet Foods and a philanthropist who helped fund the construction of the Howard Long Wellness Center, died Jan. 26 at the age of 91.

Long was born in Piedmont, Ohio, in 1934, the son of Robert and Dorothy Long.

He attended the McKinley Vocational School and worked as a sheet metal apprentice. He eventually worked his way up and became a partner at the company. In 1959, he bought an apartment building and established a potato processing franchise that grew to become Coronet Foods, a leader in vegetable processing that provided food all over the country.

Terry Sterling, who served as president of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce for 20 years, shared his memories of Long.

“He was an extremely good person and an exceptional businessman,” Sterling said. “And he was very generous and I think we will all miss him.”

Long was also passionate about health and fitness his entire life. He received a heart transplant that expanded his life another 25 years. Because of his belief in health and fitness, Long donated the first $1 million needed to kick off construction of the Howard Long Wellness Center 32 years ago in Wheeling.

Last August, Long donated another $206,000 to the center to help fund renovations there. At that time, Long said he was also a 15-year survivor of colon cancer. In addition to fitness, Long said then that his faith in God also helped him live a long life.

His endeavors earned him induction into the Wheeling Hall of Fame in 1992, and honorary doctorates from West Liberty University in 1992 and Regent University in 1995.

Douglass Harrison, president and CEO WVU Medicine’s North Region, said that Long was a vital supporter of the hospital and its mission.

“When people hear the name Howard Long, we hope they think of generosity, foresight, and a genuine commitment to improving quality of life in the Ohio Valley,” Harrison said. “His legacy isn’t just philanthropy, it’s possibility. He believed in a healthier future for this community, and because of him, that future is stronger. His generosity and vision will be felt in the Valley for generations to come.”

Harrison said Long believed that health care should help people live better, not just treat them while they are sick.

“His support helped us expand that vision in a very real way. Because of him, Wheeling Hospital was able to invest in prevention, wellness and long-term health for our community. His impact will be felt for generations, not just through a building, but through healthier lives,” he said.

Harrison noted Long was a “quiet but powerful force for good” for the community.

“He cared deeply about Wheeling and believed in giving back in ways that truly mattered,” Harrison said. “He understood that access to wellness resources strengthens families, workplaces, and neighborhoods, and his generosity reflected a genuine love for this area and the people who call it home.”

Harrison said Long “helped shift the conversation around health care in our region.”

Long is survived by his wife of 34 years, Wendy, and their three children. A public celebration of life for the community is being planned for this coming spring.