Thomas J. Langan died on Tuesday January 6, 2009 following a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. A devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, lifetime longshoreman, loyal friend and fighter till the end. Tom died as he lived, on his terms, peacefully at his home in Canton surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was 67.
He was born on December 3, 1941, the son of the late James and Margaret (Mahoney) Langan formerly of Charlestown and Somerville. He attended St. Benedict’s parochial school in Somerville and graduated from Malden Catholic in 1959, where he was a standout member of the Lancers football team. He continued his love for the sport and enjoyed many seasons as a member of the Charlestown Townies and Falcons semi-professional football teams.
He was a proud member of the International Longshoremen Association (I.L.A) Union Local 799 of Charlestown, spending 45 years on the waterfront working alongside his closest family and friends. He worked as a crane operator until his retirement in 2003. He was also a member of The Halligan Club of Charlestown.
He leaves behind the his wife of 45 years and love of his life Letitia M. (Dickie) and 8 loving children; Maureen Johnson of Abington; Thomas of Middletown, New Jersey; Brian of North Easton; Daniel of Canton; Kelley Palma of Stoughton; Kristin Montella of Foxboro; Erin Petrescu of Woodbridge, Virginia; and Brendan of South Boston. He is also survived by his brother James Langan and wife Patricia of Somerville, many nieces and nephews, cousins and 14 grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be held at Dockray and Thomas Funeral Home located at 455 Washington Street, in Canton on Thursday between 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church in Canton on Friday morning at 10:30 A.M. followed by a burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Canton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Canton EMT Association 99 Revere Street, Canton, MA 02021.