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Rev. Thomas F. Langan

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Thomas Langan Obituary

ABBOTTSTOWN Reverend Thomas F. Langan, former pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Abbottstown, died peacefully on January 3, 2012, following 52 years of faithful service as a priest of Jesus Christ in service to the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales and the Diocese of Harrisburg. Father Langan was born on March 30, 1932, in Philadelphia, the son of the late Thomas and Dorothy (Kane) Langan. His early education was at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Elementary School and Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia. He entered the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales in 1949 and was ordained a priest on June 4, 1959. He was incardinated as a priest of the Diocese of Harrisburg in 1991. His formal education included a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Languages from Niagara University and a Master's degree in Counseling and Education from Temple University. The first ten years of Father Langan's priesthood were spent in service to young people as a high school teacher at Father Judge High School in Philadelphia and Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg. He then served as the superior of his community's seminary and in administration at DeSales University in Allentown. In 1976 Father Langan became the Catholic Campus Minister at Bloomsburg University and the Administrator of Christ the King parish in Benton, PA. Following his tenure at Bloomsburg in 1983 he was named pastor of Holy Child parish in Philadelphia. He returned to the Diocese of Harrisburg and served as parochial vicar at Saint Theresa parish in New Cumberland before being named pastor at Saint Columba in Bloomsburg in 1986, and pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Abbottstown in 1989 before retiring in 2005. On June 4, 2009, Father Langan celebrated 50 years of priestly service. A man of gentle wit and a priest of loving service, Father Langan is survived by his two loving sisters, Patricia and Margaret; a special godchild, Sylvia Baldyga; several cousins; and the faithful he served with unselfish devotion in Philadelphia, Allentown, Harrisburg, Benton, Bloomsburg, New Cumberland and Abbottstown. His priestly dedication to the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales and to the Diocese of Harrisburg were motivated by an unselfish love and an ardent desire to share the light and the truth of the Gospel with all of God's people, with a special dedication to the high school and university students he served in the ministry. A Mass of Remembrance will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 6084 W. Canal Rd, Abbottstown, on Sunday, January 8, 2012, at 4 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 9, 2012, at 11 a.m. with Most Reverend Joseph F. McFadden, Bishop of Harrisburg, as principal celebrant. A viewing will be held at the church following the Sunday afternoon Mass until 6 p.m. and on Monday at the church from 9 until 10:30 a.m. At Father Langan's request, please omit flowers and make memorial contributions to the Priest Retirement Fund of the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales, 2200 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19899. Feiser Funeral Home, Inc, 306 Harrisburg St, East Berlin, is in charge of arrangements. Memories may be shared at www.feiserfuneralhome.com

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Published by Evening Sun on Jan. 5, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Langan

41 Entries

January 30, 2012

Ida Pedergnana Reilly

January 14, 2012

Fr. Langdon was the first priest that I ever considered both a religious guide and a friend. The impact that he had on my life at Bloomsburg State was immeasurable. He helped to firm up my faith to make being Catholic a way of life. He was a gentle, loving man, a true servant of God. Thank you Father, for your generous spirit, for touching so many lives. Peace.

Ellen Oravitz

January 12, 2012

What a wonderful priest. My son was so happy to serve at Frs. final mass on Chrismas Eve..Fr. read such a beautiful book about the Angel Alabaster. We can still hear him changing his voice throughout the story..He had a great sense of humor.
My son served Frs. Memorial Mass and funeral. He will be greatly missed. God Bless..from an old Church Road neighbor in Thomaville, PA The Oravitz Family.

anonymous anonymous

January 11, 2012

Someone who taught me what it meant to not only be a man of God, but a man in general. He was a kind, generous and positive individual who had one of the deepest influences on me as i grew up. a constant face at our family's dinner table - he took the position of priest and became a member of our family. i'll never forget you and everything you taught me. the last time i saw you, you hugged me and walked to your car in that straw hat you always wore. you turned around, pointed at me, and said "i love ya kid."

i love you too, father.

Suzanne Neal-Driscoll

January 10, 2012

My family were neighbors of Father Tom's sister, Pat, in Effort PA. I have many happy memories of attending Mass on the front deck of the house on Saturday evenings as the sun was setting. I also remember his labs, Pat and Mike, running down the driveway knocking each other down to see who would pet them first. He was a good and gentle man. May God bless him and his family at this time.

albert stambaugh

January 9, 2012

father tom,
a great example of a loving caring man who is also a priest that enjoyed us bringing our dates to the rectory on front st. i am looking forward to seeing you in the eternities . . . your example of a loving caring man had a great impact on many of us . . . thanks for caring! Bubba

Caryl (Laverne) Spease

January 8, 2012

My life is richer for having known this wonderful, gentle soul. Father Tom shared many good times with his "Bloomsburg Fan Club." He brought love and laughter to every occassion. Good-bye, my friend. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with all of us. I know you'll be watching over us and we'll be smiling as we remember the gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor and a magical way of making each and every one of us feel loved unconditionally. Rest In Peace.

Bill and Mary Ann Staines

January 8, 2012

Our Pastor,our our Friend. We will miss you, and never forget you, and what you ment to our family.

Jason Assalita

January 7, 2012

He was a wonderful man and will be missed.

January 7, 2012

Father Langan was my guidance counselor in 1967-68 at McDevitt and I could tell that even though he didn't know me personally he was concerned for me. He was the first person outside of my own family that let me know that I had value as a person and could succeed at anything I chose to do. I will remember him always. RIP

January 7, 2012

Mary Lou and John Rutty and Family

Greg Ricci

January 7, 2012

The world ...my world was a better place with Father Langan in it. Senior week at Ocean City with "Uncle T"...what a hoot!
He will be missed.

Harold Shadle

January 6, 2012

Father Langan filled many roles in my life over the years. His loving way made it easy to come to Mass every Sunday with my family at IHM. His guidance when seeking Reconciliation was a true comfort. He helped to build and maintain the precious gift of faith in Christ Jesus that I have today. His guidance helped Rae, my wife through the R.C.I.A. process. He married us in the Holy Catholic Church. He took me with him to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. He always made time for John and James, and always greeted us wih a smile and a sparkle in his eyes.
I remember a particular Sunday at the end of Mass where his "little story's" punch line was off a bit. As we left the church, I said to him "don't quit your day job." He said, that he didn't plan to.
The last time we shared together was at a Saturday morning Mass when he was filling in for Father Szada. I always gave him a hard time of having a fancy car, (Monsignor Gribbon referred to as a "hearse for midgets,") and how young people his age should slow down a bit. He said to me "oh my we have to get ready for Mass." I asked Father if he had a good story for us today and he shrugged his shoulders and said, "uh, so, so," to which I replied, "we're used to that." He smiled and went inside.
Dear Father, thank you for all you have done for me, my family, and all those you have touched throughout your life. I will miss seeing the joy a pan of scrapple would bring to a city boy and always wonder what would it have been like to know you in your youth. I love you and will miss you all the days of my life. I know the Lord will have you helping Him out and I pray we will be together with Jesus in Heaven.
You are my trusting friend.
Rest in God's Peace.
Love Harold
P.S. I glad you never quit your day job.

Nannette Nemetz Baer

January 6, 2012

We all believed he was OUR Father Langan, at Bishop McDevitt. Nannette Nemetz Baer, class of 1967.

Donna Christensen

January 6, 2012

Father,
You always had a smile on your face and kindness eluded from you as i remember your days at McDevitt High School. May God welcome you into His Kingdom.
Donna Christenen {Villarreal}

James Barbush

January 6, 2012

Father Langan was a most memorable person in my 1960s years at McD. I have vivid memories of his interactions with us during those amazing high school years. It was about 40 years since then till we saw him again at the 1st 60s McD Reunion that Carmen Finestra organized. That was the first time I had seen Father Langan since having graduated, and I always wondered where he was and finally got to talk to him. At that reunion, he won the Twist Contest with a classmate, that was sung by Chubby Checker in person. He took a bunch of us 1967 grads to the shore one year. I have other great memories of him also. How about you? Thank you Father Langan for all you did for us in those impressionable years of our lives.

Paul Leese

January 6, 2012

It is easy to see by the messages posted here that Fr. Langan touched many lives and I count myself extremely lucky to be one of them. Father has had a huge influence on my life. From junior high to choosing a college to getting married, he was always there for me with encouragement, honest feedback and, of course, a witty wise crack to keep me grounded. I literally would not be where I am today without his guidance.

He was a true example of what a priest should be. He will be missed.

John Butler

January 6, 2012

"T.Langan", you taught us, you challenged us, to be better persons, you led by example, we always loved your tough approach to our foolishness; you made us THINK. Rest in Peace, our friend (McD Class of 1969).

Betty Hnylanski

January 6, 2012

Father Langan was a faithful servant to God, His people, and especially the poor. While at St Columba Father began the Angel tree gift tree at Christmas for those in need. The Angel tree continues to serve those in need and it warms my heart each year to know this legacy of service that Father Langan began continues. What a kind and gentle priest. Rest in peace

Diane & John Schlaline

January 6, 2012

Father was a wonderful Godly example for our entire family as we worshiped and lived in the IHM Abbottstown community. Most felt was the example he lived as priest which turned out to be a major influence in helping our son discern his calling to the priesthood. Father's many contributions to his family, flock and colleagues are eternally manifested in those who know and love him. He will most certainly be forever happy at the eternal banquet in the heavenly kingdom.

Kent Courtney

January 6, 2012

Father Langan, thank you for your years of service. You uplifted my heart and helped me to understand the gentleness that comes with inner peace. Thank you for your stories. I've shared many of your light-hearted comments, so the flame of your candle has been passed on and continues to burn.

Barbara Heilman

January 6, 2012

I will miss you terribly my friend, but I am sure you are very happy where you are right next to God.

Brenda (Hensel) Shue

January 6, 2012

I consider it an honor to have known Father Langan. I first met him when I was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and when my parents were both employed there. His devotion to the Church that he loved, his quick wit and sense of humor were special gifts. I will always remember his visits and tears shed with my family during my parents last days. He was a very special person and will be missed.

Carol Morris

January 6, 2012

You welcomed our family with open arms to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, and and always made us feel that we were right where we belonged. You will be forever missed, Papa Elf. May you Rest in Peace.

Carl Kanaskie, Jr.

January 6, 2012

I first met Fr. Langan in 1976 when my mother, Antoinette, was his secretary at Bloomsburg Univ. CCM. He shared a love of animals and had (2) big labradors at the time. I being 10 at the time, thought that was a "cool" thing. When Fr. tended to his duties, I would sometimes get the pleasure to be able to go and take the dogs for walks on the Bloomsburg Univ. Campus and adjacent neighborhood. Fr. was a role model with a sense of humor. He was also very supportive to my family in tough times. I/we will always have memories of you.

Kay Smith

January 5, 2012

Fr. Langan would sometime fill in for St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Bonneauville.
This Dear sweet humble priest always had a story to tell the congregation at the end of the Mass. You had to love he wonderful sense of humor. He always made you smile. I am sure he is now making God smile. Rest in Peace Fr. Langan.

Maryellen Young

January 5, 2012

Father Langan was very dear to me and will always have a place in my heart. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Maryellen Manley Young --- Notre Dame class of 1959 ----

Margaret DeAngelis

January 5, 2012

I am a member of the Class of 1965 at Bishop McDevitt. He taught religion classes, which were gender-segregated, so I never had him as a teacher. But he had such a profound and positive influence on the boys in my circle that some of us girls thought we'd had him as well. Many a sentence started out "Father Langan says . . . ," and it was always something that would set us on the path to be Godly and rightous, to live as a Catholic Christian in this world with love, compassion, and forgiveness. He was a role model for role models, and I treasure his influence on my life.

Judy Dobson

January 5, 2012

Father went to Medjugorje with our group in 1988. I believe he had some doubts about the authenticity of the apparitions before he went. But he was open (and called) to go and decide for himself. But then, he climbed the "stations of the cross" hill for prayer. When he came down, he noticed the links of his rosary had turned gold. He was astounded for many many years, that Our Lady granted Him this special favor. His sister can testify that he deliberately took a "scroungy" rosary with him. (If anything happened to it, it would really be a miracle). And it was. We enjoyed our trip so much with him, and afterward, the Marian group was begun, praying the rosary and other prayers every Thursday evening.
We have missed him at St. Columba ever since he left. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.

Elaine Ray

January 5, 2012

May you (RIP) in peace with God Father
Langan

Paula Fogarty

January 5, 2012

Father Langan was a wonderful servant of the Lord in everything he did and said--truly an example to all the young people he mentored during his priesthood. Always humble, always humorous, he was a blessing on this world.

Barb Ward

January 5, 2012

Father Langan played an enormous role in my life. Not only did he perform mine and my husband's wedding, he baptised our daughter, and was our son's sponsor for confirmation. Our second son is named for Father (Kevin Langan Ward). Attending mass with Father in the "catacombs" of the old Neuman House at Bloomsburg is a memory I'll never forget. Lang, you are missed! Love, the one who squirts tears from her eyes. You know who I am....

Krug

January 5, 2012

Father Langan was a regular at our RCIA meetings. I will never forget his stories or his shoe choice, many times sandals. I was privileged to have been baptized and married by Father Langan. He had a very special way of connecting with his parishioners and will be deeply missed by many.

Tom O'Hara

January 5, 2012

We know that Father Langan continues to praise God in his new home; to be sure, he is at the right hand of God.
His Brothers in the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Lynda Michaels

January 5, 2012

Father Langan has earned his heavenly reward. On behalf of the Bloomsburg University alumni family I offer our condolences.
Lynda Michaels, '87 Bloomsburg
University

David Williams

January 5, 2012

The most thoughtful, humble, and genuine priest I have ever known. Mass with Fr. Langan on Monday and Wednesday evenings in the basement of the Bloomsburg Newman House are still some of my fondest memories and most worshipful experiences ever.

The DeLollis Family

January 5, 2012

We are so thankful that we were able to listen to Father Langan read his final Christmas story at the childrens Christmas Eve mass. We will dearly miss him, his stories and his jokes that he told at mass. What a priest! Rest in peace Father.

Penny Rostamali

January 5, 2012

Fr.Langdon was the most open minded and kind hearted priests I have ever had the priviledge to meet. He truly understood that GOD is referred to by many names around the world. Rest in Peace.

Stacy Smith

January 5, 2012

I have many fond memories of Father Langan from his time at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Abbottstown. He was a wonderful priest and will be sorely missed.

Barbara Janitor

January 5, 2012

Fr. Langan was a wonderful,compassionate,empathetic, fun-loving man. I have fond memories of him from my days at McDevitt. I can still see him "twisting" at the all 60's renunion. Rest in peace.

Ramon L. Garced

January 5, 2012

He was a good man. From a 1968 Bishop McDevitt grad. Rest in peace.

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