1921
2018
Francis L. Langan - that's Francis with an "i", he would say - danced his way to heaven on Thursday, May 24, 2018. Born in McKeesport on July 7 or 8, 1921 (depending on which official document you read), to Irish immigrants, Mary Kavanagh from Dingle and Michael Langan from Mayo, his birth name was Michael Francis Langan. His dad's name was Michael, too. So, perhaps to avoid confusion with his brothers named Thomas and William and with his only sister, Marie, they called him Francis. The "L" is for Leo, his confirmation name. His family made their way from McKeesport to Cherry Street in West Homestead. They were lifelong members of St. Mary Magdalene in Homestead, later known as St. Maximillian Kolbe in Homestead. He played football at St. Thomas High School in Braddock. His father died young. So, as the oldest male in the family, he stayed stateside during World War II while his brothers were drafted, and served their country while his sister pursued what became a more than 50-year career in nursing. He attended Pitt and ultimately graduated from his beloved St. Vincent College in Latrobe. He was a proud Bearcat. He was a seminarian and planned to become a priest. His wife, the late Ann (Ridge) Langan, and his children, Terri Wubben (Tom), Nancy Augustine (John), Robert (Angie) and Daniel (Renee), are glad he left the seminary and decided to wear another white collar. He was a salesman for his entire career. For a time in the mid-1950s, he and his new bride lived in New Jersey and he took a ferry to Manhattan where he worked in advertising for Cities Service Oil Company. He returned to Pittsburgh where he designed business forms (they're called websites now) and sold homes. He loved to dance, talk and meet new people. He danced the electric slide at the Munhall Retirement Residence, where he was one of the first residents and lived for 17 years. He held court at Eat'n Park and Bravo at the Waterfront in Homestead for many years, and at Beatty Pointe Village in Monroeville for the past eight months. "We love your dad" was a common refrain anytime he introduced his kids to the staff at these establishments. Many said he was one of the nicest people they'd ever met. He made an impression with people, even in his final hours. He was a devout Catholic who bowled on Thursday nights and stopped at Elsie's Tavern, aka the gin mill, on the way home from work. He usually was home by 6ish. He discussed the day, ate dinner (including Town Talk slathered with butter and Heinz ketchup), watched Walter Cronkite, read the paper, took a nap, finished some work, and went to bed. On Saturdays, he did the family grocery shopping at Shop 'n Save and treated himself to sardines on saltines. He was there for his family, even when he wasn't home. He was an Elk, a Lion and member of the K of C. He ran for Munhall Borough council once. His greatest legacy is his family. In addition to his four children, he has nine grandchildren; Alison (Jason) Bauer and Garrett Wubben, Kaitlin and Tess Augustine, Emily, Elizabeth and Erin Langan, and Fiona and Finnian Langan; and two great-grandchildren, Brynn and Claire Bauer. He has several nieces and nephews in the Pittsburgh area and around the country. His sister, Marie, was by his side in his final days. His family thanks the kind, caring and compassionate people at Beatty Pointe Village, Shadyside Hospital, and Seneca Place. In lieu of flowers, consider a contribution to UPMC Family Hospice or a charity of your choice.
Visitation will be from 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 25, and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 26, in R.V. ANDERSON FUNERAL HOME, 315 E. 10th Ave., Homestead. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. at St. Maximillian Kolbe Church.
And, as an old Irishman would say, keep the faith, and pass the faith.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by R.V. Anderson Funeral Home, Inc. - Homestead.
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family during this time of grief. 1 Corinthians 15:26.
May 8, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family, may you find comfort and strength from the God of all comfort in this difficult time (Isiah 25:8)
September 14, 2018
We offer our condolences. We pray in your behalf, and we offer the hope of welcoming back our loved ones on a Paradise earth. Psm 37:29
August 4, 2018
Please family, accept my condolences. May God give you comfort during your time of sorrow. Jeremiah 2:11 assures that God has provided a hope for a future earth without pain and sorrow. May you entertain the hope of seeing your love one, Francis Langan, again.
V.E.
July 14, 2018
My sincerest sympathy. May the God of all comfort strengthen your family during this time of sorrow. Those who die God keeps in his memory because he cares, they are precious in his eyes. Psalms:116:15
May 29, 2018
We are so sorry for the loss of an extraordinary man and beloved father and brother. Many sympathies and prayers for your entire family. Sorry we did stop at the funeral home.
Joe and Bernie Chiodo
May 27, 2018
Oh Francis, you were truly a wonderful person to be around. I'll miss sitting at my desk and hearing out in the hallway "Is there a farmer girl in there?" And you asking me about what's new in Latrobe. I will never forget the "cha-cha" dances we shared when there was entertainment at Beatty Pointe or the time we took a group trip to Linn Run to see the changing leaves and a drive around St. Vincent, your Alma mater. You always made sure to tell me that I looked nice, no matter what I wore to work and made me feel so appreciated as an Activities Director. I'm so grateful for our time that we got to spend together. I will always remember you and remember to "keep the faith and pass the faith" Rest in Peace my Friend
Ashley Herman
May 25, 2018
We are sorry for your loss. Fran was a fun loving and gentle man. He will be missed at the church fish fry and the 4 pm mass.
with deepest sympathy, Tom and Jan Lenz
May 25, 2018
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Rosemary & Bobby Maloney
May 25, 2018
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R.V. Anderson Funeral Home, Inc. - Homestead315 East 10th Avenue, Homestead, PA 15120
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R.V. Anderson Funeral Home, Inc. - Homestead315 East 10th Avenue, Homestead, PA 15120
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R.V. Anderson Funeral Home, Inc. - Homestead315 East 10th Avenue, Homestead, PA 15120
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R.V. Anderson Funeral Home, Inc. - Homestead315 East 10th Avenue, Homestead, PA 15120
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