Angelo's Steak and Pancake House in Newport News lost one of their team members in November of 2019. Their biggest dessert seller, the biggest smile and a positive attitude, every day. Jesse's death was felt by SO many of Angelo's customers. With dozens of shares and over 400 testimonies and comments, this man was clearly beloved. From the owner/manager of Angelos, Costa Theodorogiannis and his sister Anastasia Theodorogiannis, "It's with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of our beloved Jesse. We are all absolutely devastated by the news. We were honored to work alongside him....to say we'll miss him is an understatement. He was a kind and friendly soul who is gone far too soon. Our love and thoughts go out to all of Jesse's family and friends. Rest in peace my friend and may Jesse Long's memory be eternal!"
My family eats at Angelo's often and Jesse always waited on it or showed us desserts, even when we weren't his table. He was never rushed and always smiling.
Within a week, Jesse's family had his memorial and then his work family had their own memorial at Angelo's. This fundraiser gave the proceeds to the Youth Challenge of Hampton Roads.
From Jesse's work family, on Facebook, "Again, first and foremost, happy Thanksgiving to all! I just wanted to say 'Thank You' to everyone who made the Jesse Long Celebration of Life and Youth Challenge of Hampton Roads fundraiser a successful and memorable event! I think we all had an idea how big it would be, but the turnout was definitely beyond our expectations! I first want to thank Dave Long and Patty Long for giving us their blessing to do this for our beloved friend Jesse Long. The turnout of family, friends, customers and coworkers was unbelievable! The outpour of support made the evening all the more special! We couldn’t of had a better send off for Jesse! We were able to raise over $3000 for the Youth Challenge of Hampton Roads! Thank you all once again and may God rest your soul my brother Jesse! It was truly an honor to do this in memory and in honor of you!"
From Jesse's family, Patty Long, "Thank you everyone who showed up or sent love last night. The tremendous turnout was a moving tribute to how many people’s lives Jesse touched. We were moved by the outpouring of love shown. We cannot express enough how much it meant to us that Angelo and Costa Theodorogiannis opened their doors and their hearts to host the Jesse Long Celebration of Life. Angelo’s was Jesse’s second family and we are so thankful for the respect you gave him and for all those that worked with him. We could tell he was loved there. Thanks to all of that shared their stories with us. Last night has given us much comfort."
None of us want to let Jesse or his memory go; but Jesse, if you are listening, "Peace, Brother!"