Ronald E. 'Mickey' DeLong, 79 REHOBOTH BEACH - Ronald E. "Mickey" DeLong, 79, Husband, Father, Sailor, Businessman, Rehoboth native; went home to the Lord on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, in the company of his family. His wife and soul -mate, Martha was by his side for 35 years. Born in Felton, to Willard and Loreen Travis-DeLong, Ronald told wonderful stories of growing up on Rehoboth Avenue in the 40's; a Rehoboth High Graduate; followed by service in the Navy. After leaving the Navy, he started a family and began his first business in Rehoboth; D & M Restaurant. He later established several other businesses in Florida and Delaware. He was part of young generation moving to Florida in the 60's, where he spent many happy years. He picked up a nickname while starting a business; and for the remainder of his life everyone knew him as "Mickey". His service in the Navy was a source of pride, fond memories, and sometime outlandish tales. All things nautical was a theme throughout his life, and evident by his latter retirement years spent relaxing by the sea, in San Leon, Texas. He thrived in times spent with friends and loved to hear a good joke. We all remember how animated he became at family events, dinners and parties. During his recent years in Delaware, Mickey and Martha hosted legendary Christmas parties, which are remembered as a highlight of the holiday season. A kid at heart throughout life, loved his children and grandchildren, and enjoyed finding the hottest Christmas toys for the grandchildren, maybe more than the recipients. We'll miss his favorite words: "Hey…Outasight…Over-the-top". He leaves behind his beloved Martha; six children, seven grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and a multitude of friends. With three children from his first marriage Denise, Michael, Gregory, after marriage to Martha, the blended family grew to include Marlene, Darlene and Howard. Survived by his wife, Martha DeLong; children, Denise DeLong and Stephen Scheller, Marlene and Glen Sholley, Michael and Michelle DeLong, Darlene and Gary Sholley, Gregory and Mona DeLong, Howard and Patricia Hartsuff; grandchildren, Emily and Billy Zinser, Susan and Allen Kemper, James DeLong, Joseph DeLong, Corey and Misty Short, Jared DeLong, Hannah DeLong, Michael Butler, and Stephanie Sholley and Stacey and Shawn O'Rear. Also his favorite pet, a Terrier Mix, "Pumpkin",whom already misses him dearly. A memorial service will be 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 4, in the chapel of Berry Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front Street, Milford, where friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be Cape Henlopen Memorial Park, Milton. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, 802 N. Dupont Highway, Milford, DE 19963.