Gerard F. DeLang Sr., 85, of Winter Haven FL, long time resident of Canton, MA, passed away on June 20, 2013 in Winter Haven, FL after a brief illness.
Mr. DeLang, known affectionately as "Gerry or Mr. D" to many, was the loving and devoted husband of Barbara M. DeLang (Adams), married for 59 years, the loving father to seven children, Gerard F. DeLang Jr. (Susan Laws) of Orlando, FL, Nancy Antonucci and her husband William of Mansfield, MA, Susan White of Oakland, CA, Patricia Winberg and her husband Paul of Middleboro, MA, Lori DeLang (John Coppolino) of Mansfield MA, and the late Robert and Ellen DeLang. Twelve grandchildren, Billy and Jon Antonucci, Ryan Fitzgerald, Erica Powell (Chad), Nicholas (Natalie), Matthew (Jill), Rachel, Kendra, and Kelly White, Tommy and Mark Gilson, and Meghan DeLang. Eight great grandchildren: Luke, Sammy, Isaiah, Ruth, Lois, and Anna Powell, Macie White and Fela White. Brother of John C. DeLang Jr (Helen)of FL, Marie Goggin of VA, the late Joseph DeLang (Janet), and a loving and attentive "Uncle Gerry" to numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.
Gerry was a proud veteran of WW II, serving in the US Army, and was a proud graduate of Boston Latin School and Boston College. He had a wonderful 37 year career as a traffic engineer with New England Telephone. An avid baseball player and fan, he played baseball in the Army in Japan, coached Little League for years, and was Canton Little League President and Commissioner for many years.
Gerry and Barbara retired in 1989 to Winter Haven, FL, home of Red Sox spring training. Gerry and Barbara made their home in Cypresswood Golf Community for 24 years, enjoying many friends and neighbors, golf, spring training games, lunches with the curmudgeons, and delivering Meals on Wheels. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2095 in Canton, American Legion, St. John's Parents Assoc., St. Vincent DePaul, and the Telephone Workers Pioneers.
Visiting hours in the Pushard Family Funeral Home, 210 Sherman St. , Canton, MA., on Thursday June 27 from 4-8pm. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated in St John the Evangelist Church, 700 Washington St., Canton, MA., Friday June 28, 2013 at 10:30am. Interment at St Mary's Cemetery, Canton.
Donations may be made in his name to one of his favorite charities, St. Jude's Childrens Hospital, POB 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN, 38148, tribute account number 33766211.