Lon Eugene Seaman, 59, passed away Friday, October 12, 2018 while surrounded by his loving family. Lon was born August 9th, 1959 in Sunbury, PA, a son of Eugene Christine and Donna (Winner) Brown. Lon grew up in Selinsgrove, PA where he graduated from Selinsgrove High School, with a specialization in electronics. He has been a resident of Hampton, VA for over 22 years, where he worked at Cox Communications primarily as a mentor and trainer of new technicians.

Lon was strong, humble, loving, intelligent, kind, fun, hardworking, and absolutely hilarious. He was also extremely personable and was always the life of the party. Lon loved spending time with his family, boating, slalom water skiing, listening to music, joking around, and rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Lon was preceded in death by his brothers, Scott and Frank Seaman. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Veronica Ann Seaman; sons, Seth Michael Seaman and Shane Thomas Seaman; mother, Donna (Winner) Brown; stepfather, Dale Brown; father, Eugene Christine; sisters, Lori Seaman and Tana Christine; brother, Rob Seaman; nephews Kent, Kane and Lance Kerstetter, Chandler Reed, Matthew and Aaron Seaman, and niece Brandie Reed.

As a child and then as a teenager, Lon was a thrill-seeker; often choosing to jump off of perfectly good bridges into the river below just for fun. Although he also enjoyed leisurely activities like fishing, Lon always wanted to push his talents to their limits. In high school, he focused his thrill-seeking mentality to become a pole vaulter on the state-championship track and field team. After high-school, Lon enjoyed working as a sound technician for several regional and local bands in the greater Pennsylvania area.

In 1983, Lon met the woman who would become his wife and greatest friend, Veronica. Married about one year later, Lon and Veronica went on to have two children, Seth and Shane, who they loved greatly. The family moved from Pennsylvania to South Carolina, and eventually Virginia, where they planted their roots. Under the encouragement of Lon and Veronica, Seth and Shane went on to acquire numerous advanced college degrees; something of which Lon was very proud.

Lon was known for his ability to fix anything, and for doing so in very creative ways. For example, Lon acquired a 37-foot wooden sailboat, and decided to rebuild it with his two sons. One day while the boat was in its dock slip, shore power was cut, which allowed the boat to fill with water and sink, breaking off the sailboat's 3,500-pound lead ballast. To fix this massive issue, he began by using scuba gear to find the ballast underwater. He then used pressurized water to dig underneath it and place straps around it. Next, he used the tides along with an engine lift on a separate boat to raise and move the ballast to where a crane could lift it out of the water and onto dry land. Finally, he lowered the sailboat onto the ballast using a boat lift and bolted it back together. This took him less than a full weekend to accomplish.

Lon also leaves behind two pets, a pit bull named Petey, and a cat named Sofi; both of whom he rescued from life-threatening situations that they each were living in. Lon could have neglected the plight of these little animals, but his desire to always do the right thing compelled him to not only help these little ones, but to bring them into the family.

Despite being so caring, Lon was better known for being extremely tough. For example, when Lon went skydiving with his son at the age of 54, he did not miss a single day of work after a faulty parachute resulted in him breaking his tailbone and three vertebrae. As a cable technician, this was no small feat.

The final chapter of Lon's earthly life was afflicted with a diagnosis of an aggressive cancer of the appendix and surrounding intestines. Never allowing the diagnosis to steal his identity, Lon continued to pursue his calling and his love for life. Even in the midst of great pain, the tenacity of his will could not be overpowered. He surpassed every expectation that any of his doctors had for him, and demonstrated levels of strength, love, and positivity that inspired and amazed all those around him. Despite this time of great trial, Lon received the grace to look at his faith with greater resolve. After many months of deep reflection, prayer and theological study, Lon decided to enter the Catholic Church. He received the sacrament of Confirmation on July 26, 2018. After having vigorously fought against impossible odds for nearly two years, Lon was able to face his last days in this world with strength and courage. He possessed a blessed assurance that, although the great adventure that was his life was finishing a painful chapter, a great new one was just beginning.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM Friday at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in downtown Hampton. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with reception to follow next-door at Cordier Hall. The family wishes that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 512 Buckroe Ave., Hampton, VA 23664, or to the family to help with medical expenses.