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Donald Langan Obituary
DONALD JOSEPH LANGAN
AGE: 53 MANALAPAN
Donald Joseph Langan, 53, of Manalapan, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold. Born in Montclair, he lived in Spotswood and North Caldwell before moving to Manalapan. He was a communicant of St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church, Manalapan and worked as a manager for Wakefern Food Corporation in Edison for 31 years. A devoted husband and father, Don also coached for a Manalapan Township Baseball Traveling Team. He also loved playing recreational basketball and football.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his three children, Donald Joseph Jr., Heather Lynne and Courtney Anne, all at home; his brothers and sisters-in-law, James and Kathy, Joseph and Lorie, and Christopher and Silvia, all of Illinois; and his sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Ron Crull of South Carolina.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Monday, from 6 to 9 pm, at the Freeman Manalapan-Marlboro Funeral Home, 344 Route 9 North, Manalapan, A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, at 10 am, at St. Thomas More Church, Manalapan. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to Stand Up 2 Cancer (standup2cancer.org) or the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Langan
Kathy Buchan
January 19, 2011
To Sharon, Heather, Courtney & Donald,
I cannot express the sadness of Don leaving so early. There must be a reason, though it is still heartbreaking. I have so many memories of you all from these years and I know Mike & my daughters are hurting too. He was always kind to me no matter what - I'll never forget, I hope all of you can find peace with his untimely passing. Love, Kathy and family.
January 19, 2011
I was so sorry to hear of Don's passing. I knew the Langan family more than 50 years ago. We lost touch a long time ago but with facebook we have renewed an old friendship. I have been so impressed with the way the
Langan family seems so loving and united. Don and his family are so lucky to have you all.
Linda Gebhardt Buechel
January 18, 2011
This is Don's sister. We always did most of our catching up at Sunset Beach, NC with all the rest of the family for our annual reunion. Getting together with my brothers and sis-in-laws was one of the best times of the year along with all the young cousins! So many stories to tell. But what I didn't know was what it was like to be in Don's daily life...Sharon and their lovely children, his in-laws, his friends, his teammates and opponents, his co-workers of many years. Thank you for all of your lovely, comforting comments. I didn't know that anyone ever called him "Donnie"...I would not have let him live that one down! :) Thanks everyone!
Jeff Batta
January 17, 2011
Don and I began working together back in the West Caldwell Shop Rite back in 1974. We really didnt know each other before but we became great friends very quickly. In fact we worked together for almost seven years and I can honestly say in all that time we never had one disagreement or harsh word between us. We worked really hard, played even harder after work and had countless good times together. I could write a book about some of what we did and I promise you it would be great read! Once we graduated college, we went our seperate ways in the work world but we stayed close. I was honored by having Don as an usher in my wedding. Later, I moved away and we gradually lost contact, which I regret having happened.
Don taught me a lot of things and I think I taught him a lot as well. I will always remember that. We and our friends always looked out for each other and had each others back. I think that said a lot about Dons character.
I deeply regret Dons passing and will always remember all of the good times we had. He was a true friend.
Cliff Uttan
January 15, 2011
Donny was my teamate for many years on our Manalapan team, Voltron. He was as tough a competitor as I ever played with or against and I am honored that I can call him my teamate. I last saw Donny at the park over the summer, I played with him and Donny Jr. in a 4 on 4 half court game. Think we won but one game all night - only time I lost and didn't really care. It was just great to be out there with the two of them. He will be missed by all us.
Dennis Bruzzi
January 14, 2011
Sharon, Don, Heather and Courtney - Words cannot express our deepest sympathy for your loss. Don was such a great man, a devoted father and a true friend. Our times with him on the baseball field were times we will never forget. No matter what the outcome, Don had a positive outlook on everything. Our fondest memories of him were our incredible trip to Shea Stadium for the Dodger game and finding out that the game (for the first time in ten years) was a sellout Our attempt to scalp tickets ending with no game and a trip to McDonalds. All the laughs on our trip to Cooperstown with the Vipers and the the Phillies in the Rec league. Again it would never have been the same without Don. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
The Bruzzi Family
Sue Ploski-Whitt
January 12, 2011
I worked with Don in West Caldwell many years ago. The room lit up when he entered. He had a magical smile and was truly a special person. My deepest sympathies to Sharon, Heather, Courtney and Don.
Paul Roseman
January 11, 2011
I only knew Donnie from playing basketball but I could tell the kind of man he was by the way he always conducted himself on the court. In addition to being a terrific player, he was always fair and even-tempered. It is a real testament to his character to be liked by all. My thoughts are with his family and friends. We will miss him.
Mike Blair
January 11, 2011
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to Don's wife, children and family. I only knew him from football and basketball. Don was a great athlete and truly one of the nicest people I knew. I hope to see young Donny on the field.
Mike Blair, Freehold, NJ
Lucy & Jose Alfonso
January 11, 2011
Sharon, Heather, Courtney, and Donald, we are so sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. The memories and love you shared as a family will remain to comfort you and he will always be just a thought away. Don was such a nice person, he will be missed by many.
Faith and Jay Barretta
January 10, 2011
My husband Jay and I worked with Don many years ago. He had an amazing smile that was incredibly contagious. Our prayers are with Sharon Heather Courtney Donald and all of your family.
Love Faith and Jay Barretta
Andy Scheck
January 10, 2011
It seems to be a recurring theme in all the statements about how nice a guy Donnie was. Although I only knew Donnie from the basketball courts, it is certainly a true statement about how well liked and respected Donnie was by all.
It was just this past summer when I told him I could spot his head sticking out of the top of his Z from a mile away. He just laughed and told me he had a Z in his youth, which is why he got one now even if he was too tall for it.
My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to all his friends and family.
Tom Cooke
January 10, 2011
Sharon, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I didn't know Don as well as some, but I could see he was an honest and honorable man, who was well liked and greatly respected at work, and will be greatly missed. He, as well as you and your children, will be in my prayers.
John Flynn
January 10, 2011
To Don's family - my heartfelt prayers and sympathy at losing such a wonderful man. I worked with Don many years ago at the Shop-Rite in West Caldwell while we were both in college. We worked hard and played hard and Don was always in the middle of whatever fun we were having at the moment. His sense of humor and likable personality allowed him to make fast friends with just about anybody. Although we had not been in contact for years, I will always remember his intelligence, wit, and charm. He was a huge Lynyrd Skynyrd fan at that time and took me "under his wing" to instruct me on the finer points of southern rock. A line from Lynyrd Skynyrd's classic song Simple Man - "be a simple kind of man....be something that you can love and understand" - Don lived up to that and will be missed by this "simple man". With my deepest sympathies -
David Greczylo
January 10, 2011
Don was a great man and perfect match for my sister Sharon. He was proud of the way Sharon, Heather, Courtney and Donald stayed strong on Friday. He waited for you to all be there. He heard every word you said. God was in the room with you. Don will always be with you all.
Steven Mark
January 10, 2011
With my deepest sympathy to you and your family. He was a great guy and loved by all. For many years we played basketball together on the same team, he was one of the best. He will be missed by many.
Heavenly Valley Ski Resort Lake Tahoe
Joseph Bragen
January 10, 2011
Mike Wildman
January 10, 2011
There wasn't a nicer, more hard working guy than Donnie. He will sorely be missed, but never forgotten. My prayers & sympathy go out to his family. May he rest in peace.
January 10, 2011
To Donny's Family,I am so sorry about your loss. I knew Donny from our many hours spent on the basketball courts, mostly in his hometown of Manalapan. On behalf of all of those that have had the PRIVILEGE and HONOR of playing with and against him, he will be greatly missed. In addition to being one of the best players on the court, he was a true gentleman who always played hard and never complained.
Mark Schneid
January 10, 2011
I’ve known Big Don as a friend, co-worker, and boss for 28 years. Don possessed likeability, one of the best traits that a person can have. He was always quick with a smile, understanding, and above all a trusted friend. Don played many sports with us while at Wakefern (softball, basketball, football, racquetball, etc.) and he was skilled and competitive in all of them. The only way you can stop his jump shot was to foul him, which I did many times. He was a fixture on our table in the lunch room at CISD and we shared many laughs and good times over the years. He will be missed. Above all, I want to tell his family that Don defined what it was like to be a family man, to be active with his children and involved in their lives. He talked proudly when young Don was able to make plays in the Sunday morning Football games and be on his team. To his children, I just want to say that a dad is never forgotten and will play a part in every decision you will make in your life; he is with you! God Bless. – Anthony Longo
John Foglia
January 10, 2011
Sharon, I am so sorry for your loss. Donnie was a wonderful person and one of the friends I missed playing football & basketball with when we moved to Florida. It's hard to believe it's been six years since I had the honor of being in his company. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. John & Jan Foglia
Alex Firkser
January 10, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
January 10, 2011
Sharon, Courtney, Heather, and Donald, I am so very sorry for your loss. Don was a such a great boss and wonderful person who will be deeply missed. I will miss his great sense of humor and caring, thoughtful demeanor. You are all in my thoughts. With my deepest sympathy, Heather Lyn Hiel (Wakefern Food Corp.)
Kathy Fitzsimmons
January 10, 2011
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your husband and father.
-Kathy Fitzsimmons
Teacher at Allied Health and Science
Philip Dudt
January 10, 2011
Donnie, you were a legendary fixture on the Manalapan basketball courts, and myself and all others will definitely miss you. As impressive as you were as a basketball player, even more impressive was how you carried yourself as a man with integrity and honor. As you redeem your reward in heaven, I pray for all those who mourn your loss, including your family and friends.
Jackie Meier
January 10, 2011
Sharon, I am so sorry for your loss. Don was a great guy and will truly be missed. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, Jackie & Phil Meier
Jane Adamo
January 9, 2011
He will be missed by all of us in the Adamo household. Love and our deepest sympathies to all of you. Always in our hearts and prayers.
- Jane, Joey, and Janie
Patrick Norero
January 9, 2011
Donne, it was a honor to play with you on the courts of Manalapan. All these months I had hoped and prayed for you to one day beat the odds. However I know God needed you more by his side. My thoughts and prayer go out to you and your wonderful family. God bless.
Carol & Harry Ekstrand
January 9, 2011
Sharon, I was deeply saddened when I learned about Don's passing. You, Don and I worked together many years ago in the old union building of Wakefern and then the move to Edison. I remember your smile the day you both said " I do" as well. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. He was a wonderful person and father. The memory of Don will always be in our hearts.
Dianne Rocheny
January 9, 2011
Don was a wonderful husband who made my sister Sharon very happy. They were married for 25years. He was the nicest guy you ever met. They raised together 3 beautiful children Heather, Courtney, and Donald. Don and his Family were so Brave. He will be missed. Until we meet again. Love always, Pete, Dianne, Peter, and Christopher (godchild) Rocheny xoxo
January 9, 2011
With our deepest sympathy William and Charlotte Boales
Bonnie Wilson-Miller
January 9, 2011
Sharon, Heather, Courtney and Donald, It is with deep sadness and heartfelt sympathy for the loss of such a great man and father that we send our condolences. Don and I go back a long way and have had some great memories and good times. It is hard to understand why such a good guy was taken from this earth at such a young age, but he will definitely be missed by many of us and not forgotten. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Love, the family of Bonnie Wilson-Miller
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