Reginald "Roy" Longworth

Reginald ”Roy” Longworth, age 90, of Petoskey, MI, passed away on September 26, 2025. He was a devoted husband to Linda Starmer Longworth, and a loving father to Jeremy Longworth (Victoria), Nigel Longworth (Erika), and Sandy Longworth, and caring stepfather to Jon Cummins (Caroline) and Kathryn Cummins-Bakko (Brett).

Roy was born on June 4, 1935, in Sydney, Australia, to Reginald and Dorothy Longworth (nee Stacey). Roy grew up in the Sydney suburbs and graduated from North Sydney Boys High School, where he excelled at sports and academics. A gifted athlete, he played cricket and field hockey and traveled by ship with the New South Wales Boys Hockey Team to New Zealand and Tasmania. His musical talent shone as well. He competed in and won many awards in the Australian music competition, Eisteddfods, studied organ, and by age 15 was serving as organist for his local Presbyterian church.

After beginning his studies in electrical engineering, Roy quickly rose to become head of Electric Signals. His work took him to Japan, South Africa and the United States while developing security systems. In 1972, he was recruited by Johnson Controls to head a security company and moved his family to Milwaukee, WI. By 1980, he had purchased that company, founding Central Control Alarm Corp, which he ran until retirement. Roy’s leadership and expertise earned him respect across the industry, including service as President of the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association.

Beyond work, Roy’s very friendly demeanor led to many friendships in a variety of hobbies. A lifelong ham radio enthusiast, he built radios with his father and beloved Uncle Roy as a boy and maintained contacts around the world well into his 90th year. His radio hobby led to many travels and enduring friendships. He was a member of the Straits Area Radio Club and spent hours at his “radio shack” with Jim Cook and other hams.

Roy also loved the water and the outdoors. After moving to Milwaukee, he took up sailboat racing at the Milwaukee Yacht Club. With his accomplished crew, they won the oldest running yacht race in America, the Queen’s Cup with his crew. The silver cup with his name on it resides in Racine Wisconsin. Roy spent the winter months on the ski hills. In 1999, after retiring, Roy and Linda made their home at the family cottage on Walloon Lake. Full of energy, they purchased the Jim Brannen farm on Horton Bay Rd where Roy planted a radio tower. Linda planted fields of lavender and they called it Lavender Hill Farm.  Despite the eventual loss of his eyesight, Roy took up golf and played many rounds into his 80’s, thanks to his buddy, John Rowe.

Roy believed in giving back. He was a proud member of Rotary International, beginning in Sydney and later in Milwaukee, Boyne City, and Petoskey. His Rotary friend, Joe Blachy, made it possible for Roy to attend meetings until he was 89. He enjoyed volunteering at Manna and was a grateful member of Petoskey’s Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

Roy and Linda shared 30 happy years of marriage and the joy of six children, 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He moved into the role of PapaRoy and spent his most delightful hours with his grandchildren. He was fondly called  the “baby whisperer” because he could calm any crying child. He loved teaching, whether through his professional career, his hobbies, or most importantly, by sharing his love for his savior, Jesus, and God’s love with his family.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Barrie, and his step-daughter Megan Cummins. He is survived by his loving wife Linda; sister Judith Weston (Barry) of Brisbane, Australia; children Jeremy, Sandy and  Nigel; step-children Jon and Kathry; his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his in-laws Bill Starmer(Carol) and Nancy Starmer McMahon (Kevin); extended family; and countless friends who will miss him dearly, including his longtime business associate and dear friend Eckhart Grohmann.

A memorial service will be held on October 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Petoskey, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the medical community for the loving care Roy received during his last few years.

Those wishing to honor Roy’s memory may make a donation to Northmen Den, Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra or a charity of your choice.