Gale E. Furlong, 90, of 414 High St., Johnsonburg, died Friday morning, Jan. 6, 2017 at Elk Haven Nursing Home in St. Marys after a lengthy illness.

He was born Jan. 31, 1926 in Clarion, son of the late James J. and Ruth Miller Furlong.On Oct. 14, 1950 in Johnsonburg, he married Joyce J. Feronti, she preceded him in death May 18, 1996.

He resided in Johnsonburg since 1948 and attended Wilcox High School. He was a member of Holy Rosary Church, Kane Veterans and Wilcox American Legion Post 467.

He was a WWII Army veteran serving as a sergeant with the 678th Bomber Squadron. As a tailgunner on a B29, he flew over 23 missions over Japan. He also served in China, India, Burma and Central Burma. For his service he received the following citations: Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with four Bronze Stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Unit Citation, WWII Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

He was employed by Penntech Papers for 28 years before retiring in 1989. He had also worked for Stackpole Carbon Co. for one year.
He is survived by one son, James Furlong Sr. and his wife Joan of Johnsonburg; and his grandsons, Mark Furlong and his wife Tricia and Jensen and Evan James Furlong Jr. and his wife Sara and Jameis, Kenley and Colin.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Roland and Clair Furlong; and his sister, Evelyn Hildebrand.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Gale E. Furlong will be conducted Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg with Rev. David J. Wilson, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Johnsonburg.

Friends will be received at the Anthony F. Ferragine Funeral Home, 401 Chestnut St., Johnsonburg on Tuesday morning from 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Military honors will be accorded by the Johnsonburg Servicemen's Detail. Detail members are asked to assemble at the funeral home Tuesday morning at 9:15 a.m.