Alphonso "Phonso" Long was born on June 10, 1958, in the county of Chowan in Edenton, North Carolina, to Hilton and Margaret Long. He was the first of six children and was raised in a loving and close-knit family.

At the age of two, Phonso and his family relocated to Brooklyn, New York, as Hilton and Margaret sought new opportunities for their growing family. Brooklyn would become the place where Phonso grew up, built lifelong friendships, like his best friend Mark Sellers, and created many of the memories that would remain with him throughout his life.

As the oldest of six children, Phonso naturally took on the role of big brother. He was a fierce protector of his siblings as indicative of the meaning of his name, “noble and ready”.

Phonso excelled academically, although he often found the routine of school monotonous. At 16, he made the decision to leave East New York Vocational High School early and pursue his GED, which he earned that same year.  His curiosity and love of learning, however, never left him. He had a deep passion for history, current events, and politics, and he rarely missed an opportunity to share his knowledge, opinions, and insights with family and friends.

He also had a love for live music and made it an annual tradition to attend concerts and visit music venues.

Although Phonso was considered an introvert, he maintained a wide circle of friends throughout his life.  Many affectionately called him “Kojak”, a nickname that stayed with him through the years.  Some of his most cherished friendships began during childhood and his years growing up in East New York. His ability to maintain such lasting relationships was a reflection of the genuine love, loyalty, and respect he had for the people he valued.

And while he could be reserved at first, once he became comfortable in a setting, another side of him emerged. He could become the life of the party, engaging with those around him and bringing his own unique energy and personality to the room. Those who knew him best appreciated those moments when his reserved nature gave way to laughter, conversation, and connections.

Throughout his working life, Phonso held a variety of positions from contractor, painter and retail sales.  However, the last twenty three years of his career, he worked as a school bus driver-a job he truly loved and enjoyed working alongside his close friend Linda Brown, whom she thought of him as his little brother.  His dedication to his work reflected his sense of responsibility and commitment to the people who depended on him.

Family was an important part of Phonso's life. He was father to four children: Michelle (deceased), Bernadette, Jamel, and Ronnell.

He was married for 10 years to one of his childhood friends, Rose, who everyone affectionately knew as Cookie.

He leaves to cherish his memory his Father, Hilton (Mary); his sisters, Doris, Teresa (Walter), Allison (Michael); his brothers, Marvin (Beatrice) and Wesley (Delores); along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Though he may no longer be with us in person, the memories he created, the relationships he nurtured, and the love shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

May he rest peacefully, knowing that he was deeply loved and will never be forgotten.