LOWELL—John E. Lang, 84 years old, a lifelong resident of Lowell, a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II, and well-known track coach and Lowell High School Athletic Hall of Fame member, died Sunday October 1st, at his home in Lowell. He was the husband of the late Mary Ann (Glasheen) Lang, who died in August of 1984.
He was born in Lowell, on November 5, 1921, a son of the late Roger J. and Katherine (Lowney) Lang.
He was a graduate of Lowell Public Schools and Lowell High School, Class of 1939. He was a member of the track team and cross country team, and a standout middle distance runner. He then attended St. John’s Prep, where he was a member of the 2 mile relay team which captured the national title at the National Catholic Preparatory School Championships in 1941. He then attended Holy Cross College. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy. After his service he finished his education at Suffolk University.
Mr. Lang had been employed as a Teacher and Track Coach by Lowell High School from 1962 until his retirement in 1988. Previously he had worked at General Electric and Educator Biscuit. During his years at Lowell High, he inspired several generations of student-athletes, and was a fixture on the local track scene.
He was a communicant of St. Margaret’s Church and held membership in the VFW, Walker Rogers Post, Mount Pleasant Golf Club, and the Lowell Lodge of Elks, Lodge #87. He was a member of the Lowell High School Hall of Fame, inducted in 2001, as well as the St. John’s Prep Hall of Fame, inducted in 1996.
Surviving him are a son and daughter-in-law: John E. and Mary Lou (Woods) Lang, Jr., of Methuen; a daughter and son-in-law: Nancy and Brian Delaney, of Lowell; four grandchildren: Daniel, Timothy, and Kate Lang, and Erin Delaney; a great granddaughter: Mackenzie Chhoeng; a sister: Anita O’Brien, of Bethesda, MD; and several nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late William G. Lang and Roger J. Lang, Jr.
Friends may call from 2 until 7 PM on Wednesday, October 4th, at the MAHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 187 Nesmith Street, (Rte. 38). His Funeral Mass to be offered Thursday, October 5th at 12 noon at ST. MARGARET’S CHURCH. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery.