Captain John A. "Jack" Langford Jr. USN

Captain John A. Langford, Jr. ("Jack") USN, of New Fairfield, Connecticut, formerly of Danbury, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026. Jack was a quiet, humble, and cerebral man who lived life on his own terms and set a lasting standard and example of accomplishment and bravery.

Jack was born on August 7, 1937, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to the late Dr. John A. Langford and Margaret Dunn Langford. Jack grew up in East Hartford, Connecticut, where he graduated as salutatorian of his high school class. An accomplished athlete, he was an award-winning track star, earning multiple honors in the 100-yard and 220-yard dashes and at one point ranked first in the state of Connecticut.

Jack was appointed to the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland, in the 14th company, where he earned a degree in Engineering. He went on to earn five master's degrees in military strategy, education administration, and personal administration reflecting a lifelong commitment to learning and excellence.

Following his graduation from USNA with the class of 1959, Jack attended flight school in Pensacola, Florida, fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. An astute and highly skilled aviator, he began a distinguished aviation career as a Navy helicopter pilot. While on active duty in the Navy, he served in the pacific on numerous aircraft carriers as a helicopter pilot and in the Pentagon working in manpower analytics. In 1973 he was a helicopter aircraft squadron commander in the recover of astronaut Gordon Cooper in the Western Pacific. Jack was awarded the air medal (Navy Cross) for making the first night open seal landing of the SH3-A helicopter to rescue two downed pilots off the coast of California. Jack also served two harrowing tours in Vietnam where among many heroic missions he was credited with the rescue of 13 down pilots in hostile territory and was awarded two bronze stars, a Campaign Medal and a National Defense Medal.

In addition to his military service, Jack flew commercially as a Boeing 747 pilot for Pan Am from 1967 until the airline folded in 1991. He then worked for Delta Airlines, where he flew from 1991 until his retirement in 2002. Over the course of his commercial career, Jack flew all over the world and took great pride in having landed at every major airport worldwide. Jack was also an educator in the Danbury Public School System where he was a Science teacher and chairman of the Science department. He was known through out Danbury for having landed a Navy Helicopter on the field of Danbury High School in 1974.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Rita Barchi Langford, who lovingly and willingly cared for him in the last 10 years of his life. A fun and unconventional father and grandfather, he will be deeply missed by his son, Mark Langford and daughter Lauren Langford, both of Brookfield, Connecticut; and his grandchildren: Jack, Alessandra, Alexa & Chloe. He is also survived by his niece Dana Barchi, several nieces and nephews and by his life long best friend Commander Jack Udebrock USNA Class of 59.

The greatest sorrow of Jack's life was the loss of his eldest son, Commander Glen C. Langford, who predeceased him. His sister, Maureen Langford McNulty, also predeceased him.

After his years of active duty, Jack settled at his home on Candlewood Lake, spending summers there and at his home in Danbury. An avid gardener and skilled landscaper, his properties bore his unmistakable signature, ornate beauty and meticulous attention to detail.

Following retirement, Jack and Rita made more than 20 trips to Europe, traveling extensively throughout Italy and Eastern Europe; priding themselves on never traveling like tourists. Jack spent extended winters in his beloved island of St. Maarten, his happy place, where he was an honorary resident and well known throughout the island. He was famous for discovering a unique bar, quickly claiming his own stool, and befriending the bartender and regulars. When not in St. Maarten, Jack was a familiar face at Chuck's, the VFW, O'Brien's, and Uncle Al's Café/Good Time Charlie's in Danbury.

The family would like to thank the aides who cared for Jack in his later years as he battled dementia, especially Lynne Stone, who was often by his side. The family extends its deepest gratitude to Cheryl Raymond of St. Maarten, who remained by Jack's side during his many trips there, accompanying him to his favorite island spots and ensuring he enjoyed many joyful visits. Finally, the family offers special thanks to, Dr. Martin Goldstein who provided exceptional and compassionate cognitive care to Jack throughout his illness.

Donations can be made in Capt. Langford's memory to Dr. Martin Goldstein:

New York Center for the Advancement of Cognitive Brain Health

c/o Dr. Martin Goldstein

138 W 25th St, 10th Floor

New York, NY 10001

Funeral services for Capt. Langford will be held in the Spring. The family will extend private invitations.