Barry Howard Lang

Barry Howard Lang, 85, died on March 3, 2026 in Durham, NC, but this is not the bit he would want you to focus on.

Born in Oil City, PA on July 9, 1940, to Abe and Rebecca Lang, Barry lived on West First Street for most of his life. He graduated from Oil City High School in 1958 and Penn State University. Though he worked in Harrisburg as an accountant, he returned to Oil City to help run the longstanding family business, Glassylvania, in the old Saltzmann Brewery. Barry also served as a National Guardsman for Oil City's battalion, blaming howitzer drills for many years of pretending that he heard what people were saying.

However, his biggest "battles" were waged by his teeth against his finger nails as he rooted for the Steelers, Penguins, and Nittany Lions. WE ARE...surprised he lived so long considering the "years of his life" that he said he lost from particularly tense third periods and fourth quarters ("We scored too early!").

Barry loved puzzles, writing poetry, his early rides ('57 Chevy and '67 "442" convertible), and record collection. He was also an important member of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Oil City, managing the synagogue and Jewish cemeteries in the area as the population dwindled.

Yet, Rockmere served as a beloved place from when he owned a small cottage and boat and played tennis. If the dock steps' rock wall near the Oil City Boat Club remains, you might see "Barry Lang PSU" carved into it. His other beloved place was the YMCA weight room. "Y," you ask? He loved that place and the people. He met countless friends, giving them an infinite supply of Dad jokes and stories. Probably thought himself to be the Y Emcee, eh?

Nevertheless, his family meant everything. Barry is survived by Sharon Lang, his wife of 58 years, and two sons (and daughters-in-law) who carry on the Dad jokes legacy: Adam Lang and Orna Lang in Santa Ana, California, and Jeff Lang and Anuja Lang in Durham, North Carolina. And he absolutely adored being "Papa" to his four grandchildren: Cory, Benjamin, Kiran, and Ari Lang. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and son, Jarrett Lang.A service and/or meet up will occur at some point this spring/summer in Oil City, and his preference would be to raise a glass and tell some fun stories at a longstanding Oil City bar. In terms of donations, Barry would likely just want people to do a kind thing for someone who could use a visit, some help, or lifting up.

Seriously the kindest, sweetest, gentlest guy there was. See you 'round the campus, Barry.