The Windsor, Connecticut community and the broader world of education and athletics are reflecting with heavy hearts on the loss of Ira Long, a devoted educator, mentor, and coach whose influence reached far beyond classrooms and gymnasiums. Ira’s life was defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to helping young people discover their potential and believe in themselves.
Originally from Springfield, Massachusetts, Ira carried his roots with pride throughout his life. He was a proud graduate of Cathedral High School, where his early passion for teamwork, discipline, and leadership began to take shape. That foundation guided him to further his education at Springfield College and Western New England College, institutions known for shaping leaders in education, coaching, and civic responsibility. Those experiences helped mold Ira into the educator and coach so many would come to admire.
Professionally, Ira served as an Educator and Coach at Civic Leadership High School under the Capital Region Education Council (CREC), where he played a key role in shaping students not only academically, but as future leaders and engaged citizens. He believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives and was especially passionate about mentoring young people who needed guidance, encouragement, and someone who truly believed in them. His classroom was a place of accountability, respect, and motivation, where students felt challenged and supported in equal measure.
Alongside his work in education, Ira was also a Basketball Coach at Classical Magnet School. On the court, he was known for teaching far more than the fundamentals of the game. He emphasized character, discipline, teamwork, and resilience, lessons that stayed with his players long after the final buzzer. To Ira, basketball was a vehicle for building confidence, leadership, and life skills, and his athletes often spoke of him as a role model and second family figure.
Edward Casares, a colleague who worked alongside Ira, shared heartfelt words that capture the impact he made. He reflected that even a short time working with Ira offered a better perspective on life itself, noting that Ira mentored countless young people who have gone on to achieve meaningful success. Those sentiments echo throughout the community, as former students, players, and colleagues continue to share stories of how Ira’s guidance changed their paths.
Ira Long’s legacy lives on through the many lives he shaped with patience, wisdom, and care. His dedication to education, coaching, and mentorship created ripples that will continue for generations. While his absence is deeply felt, the lessons he taught and the values he modeled remain firmly planted in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
