Bob Long Legacy Fund

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of the Rev. Dr. Robert R. Long on October 13, 2023. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Bob’s wife, Marilyn, and his entire family during this difficult time. Details regarding memorial services and commemorative events will be shared in the coming days. 

Bob was a founding member and first president of the CCO (Coalition for Christian Outreach). His life's work, infused with his passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, has left an indelible mark on this organization and on countless lives. We mourn his loss even as we rejoice in the eternal impact of his life’s work. 

To honor his memory, we are launching the Bob Long Legacy Fund, a special initiative dedicated to continuing his Christ-centered vision and values. 

Through this fund, we aim to uphold his commitment to nurturing young leaders who exemplify Jesus' teachings, fostering faith journeys, and creating transformative experiences for college students. We invite you to contribute to this fund to ensure that Bob's Gospel-centered legacy thrives for generations to come.

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Ever since making the life-changing decision to follow Jesus Christ during a Billy Graham Crusade when he was a high school student, Bob Long’s single-minded purpose was to invite everyone he encountered to do the same. 

From his days playing football at the University of Pittsburgh to his work with youth in inner-city New York, from his studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary to his return to PIttsburgh to reach out to student-athletes at his alma mater, Bob’s journey was illuminated by a fervent desire to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and impact the lives of young people. 

Bob was instrumental in shaping a vision for a regional campus ministry movement to make sure college students in western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and West Virginia would be reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In November 1972, a year and a half after the Coalition for Christian Outreach’s official incorporation, Bob accepted the position of Executive Director, and he continued to lead the CCO until 1999, when he shifted to the role of Chair of the CCO Board of Directors, and ultimately, Chair Emeritus. And in the decades since its founding, Bob helped the CCO grow from a regional campus ministry organization into a national movement.

Bob's commitment to fostering personal growth, leadership development, and faith exploration was a reflection of his love for Jesus Christ. We are grateful for the countless lives that have been transformed by Bob Long’s Christ-centered leadership.