If there is no God, how do we explain human longings and desire for the transcendent?
You're confusing not wanting to die with the existence of God. We are one of the few, if not the only species that is aware of our own mortality, the eventual heat-death of our planet and the destruction of the universe. Nobody likes these ideas, however that is where the evidence leads us. There is no evidence to suggest that "I'll see you all again in some theme park : one nice, one nasty."
We have consciousness, and self-awareness, so it is obvious that we would ask ourselves these deep questions. And again, as nice as it would be to have some overall purpose in the universe, that does not constitute evidence FOR one. It is merely wishful thinking. Because I can think it or because I want it, does not mean it exists.
Although you suggest some have a hunger for spiritual things, it is also true that some people do not. True, religion is pervasive in all peoples across the world, but from an evolutionary standpoint the origins of these faiths, and the reason people are suceptible to them, become quite easily understood.
As for your 'where are the atheist philosophers' argument, I'd say the field has shifted from philosophy and onto science. We don't just muse over the question of god's existence anymore - science has examined and tested and refined, and the space for God in the grand scheme of things is ever shrinking. 97% of the National Academy of Sciences is Atheist, that should speak volumes.
This video is more relevant to your OP.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEIGWESngdY
This one's pretty funny too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB3g6mXLEKk