WILLIAM LANGSDORF

William P. "Bill" Langsdorf, PhD

William Langsdorf, age 87, of Jennersville, PA, died peacefully at Preston Residence of Jenners Pond, on Saturday, August 26, 2006, surrounded by loving family members.

Dr. Langsdorf was born April 6, 1919 in Cambridge, OH, son of the late William and Marjorie Diel Langsdorf. He won an academic scholarship and attended Ohio State University, where he earned a BS degree in chemistry. He entered the United States Army in June 1941, and served in North Africa, Italy and France. He left the Army in 1946, with the rank of major. Upon returning to civilian life, he attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a PhD in organic chemistry in 1949. After graduation, Dr. Langsdorf was employed by the DuPont Company, first in East Orange, NJ. In 1952, he moved as a research chemist to the DuPont Experimental Station, where he worked for 28 years. During his career, he was named in numerous patents. He retired in 1980.

Dr. Langsdorf was an active and founding member of Concord Presbyterian Church, in Fairfax, where he served on numerous boards. He was also an active adviser of the local Boy Scout troop. He had many talents and interests. He loved to work with his hands, building furniture and various types of stereo equipment. He was an avid golfer and tennis player, belonging to the DuPont Country Club for over 50 years. Bill was an avid dancer, and loved the music of the Big Band era. He loved to travel, and visited many ports of the world. He and his wife, Maggie, had a marvelous round-the-world cruise, celebrating his 80th birthday in Sicily.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 10 years, Maggie Thome-Langsdorf, of Jennersville, PA; a son, Dr. Philip Langsdorf, and his wife, Anne, of Middletown, DE; his granddaughter, Dr. Jennifer Langsdorf, and her husband, Dr. Geoffrey Dube, of New York City, NY; his stepdaughters, Kathleen Loeschner, and her husband, Dr. Rob Loeschner, of Fawn Grove, PA, and Linda Thome, and her husband, Joseph Haymore, of Kensington, MD; and a stepdaughter-in-law, Peggy Thome, of Buckingham Courthouse, VA. Survivors also include a brother, Dr. Richard A. Langsdorf, and his wife, Doris, of Massillou, OH; his sister, Marlene Bruleyson, of St. Louis, MO; and 4 other grandchildren. Mr. Langsdorf was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Alice McCleary Langsdorf, in 1993.

A memorial service will be held at 3 pm on Thursday, August 31, 2006, at Concord Presbyterian Church, 1800 Fairfax Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19803. Burial will be private in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Bear, DE.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill's memory to Concord Church; or to your favorite charity.

To send condolences, visit

www.mccreryfuneralhome.com

Arrangements by

MCCRERY FUNERAL HOME