Howard Joseph Langan, born in Philadelphia on November 20, 1934, passed away on December 14, 2024, at Bethany Village, Mechanicsburg, after a long battle with dementia. Surrounded by family and the compassionate staff of Bethany Village, everyone had the opportunity to say their goodbyes to a man who always had a smile, a whistle, or a joke to share.
Howard was the fourth child of the late Richard F. Langan and Anna Driscoll Langan, He was the widower of Katherine B. (Williams) Langan and predeceased by his brother Reverend Edgar J. Langan. He is survived by brother Richard Langan (Joan), and sister Annmarie Gerardo (Hank, (d)) daughters Blandine Deloume (Pierre), Kathleen Langan Pusecker (Paul), Sharon Steiner (Thomas), Terri Edwards (Donald Jr, (d.)) and Grandchildren: Florian Jacob (Aurélie), Ophélie Jacob (Nicolas), Alison Trask (Ryan), Megan Leone (Bryan), Katie Pusecker Kilcawley (Marco), TJ Steiner (Emily), Darby Steiner, Chelsea Sweeney (Chris), Madeline Edwards, and Donald Edwards, III, and four great grandchildren.
Referred to as Howard by most, and Lefty by close family and friends, he held the titles Dad and Pop Pop for a priviledged few. Howard’s greatest loves were his wife, Kay, married for 61 years, and his faith in God, the Philadelphia Eagles and Sea Isle City, NJ.
Howard started his career as an installer for Bell Telephone and put himself through night school at St. Joseph’s University to earn his BS and later attended Drexel University for graduate studies. He switched careers and worked for Xerox Corporation, retiring as the National Account Manager at the young age of 55.
In his retirement, Howard continued his legacy of faith, family, and fun, where his passions were as big as his personality. He was an active member of the Roman Catholic community, taught classes on becoming Catholic (RCIA); served in prison ministry; administered communion at church as a Eucharistic minister; as well as delivered communion to those in need. In addition to those important roles, he also became an active member of the Harrisburg Lions Club, serving as former president. Howard enjoyed any day on the golf course and taking walks with his beloved dogs. He loved traveling with just Kay or with his lifelong childhood friends, and with his family. His family has so many wonderful memories of times at his shore house in Sea Isle City, NJ. Riding kayaks, crabbing, and bodysurfing are memories that are treasured today. If you wish to celebrate him, have a great meal and a good glass of wine or Guinness!
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at GoldenMaple in Bethany Village for their devoted care over the past four years.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 11:30AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 225 Salt Road, Enola, PA 17025.
Burial will be private at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Harrisburg Office, 2595 Interstate Drive, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
www.sullivanfuneralservices.com
8 comments on “Howard Joseph Langan”
I am saddened to learn of Howard’s passing. I had the pleasurer of working with Howard at Xerox where we were members of the same Global Account Team. The team was comprised of a hand picked group of managers who were responsible for the largest single account in the Xerox global portfolio, Howard had marketing and sales responsibility for the most complex of our product and service offerings. In this role, he always performed at the highest levels. His trademark was “trust” and his client list was built on their trust in Howard. As members of the Xerox team ,we all learned a great deal from Howard about how to balance work and family and we will all miss him.
I worked for Xerox in Chicago. Howard became the National Account Manager for ATT and subsequently Lucent. I worked with maybe 30 NAMs in my career. Howard saws absolutely the best. I called him once late Friday. He called back.
I told him there was a crisis in the downtown office of ATT. A decision maker appeared to be on the take. He said “make an appointment. “ He flew into Hate and we made an 11 o’clock call.
He was a listener, not a “ I’m from NY I’m here to tell you what to do”
That was Howard. I’d like to think we were the ethical ones.
It’s hard to tall the truth all the time in sales. He never exaggerated our capabilities nor promised anything we could not deliver.
I remember his call telling me his brother had died ( I believe they had been playing tennis together ) and he was retiring.
In 2007 when I retired I called Howard, who was by then lamenting the lack of distance of his goof balls. “ Everything goes 150 yard’
I asked him for advice.
It was brilliant.
When you leave the country, make sure you’re covered on your health insurance and
Change your phone plane. ( I believe his wife had been injured in Mexico and was grossly overcharged)
Also bring necessary drug, get nothing filled outside the country.
I thanked him.
Then there was a pause ..He said “ you’re one of the good guys, thanks for working with me.”
As I was about to hang up he gave me the best advice of all.
“ Try never to get together with a group of ex Xerox guys, leave it behind, don’t talk about the past…..and if you do meet a friend or 2. …10 minutes of Xerox talk…that’s it.
This has proven to be pure gold
Love you Howard
Peace my friend
Terri: Although we recently met at the pool, your kind heart and care shines through especially of your loved ones. Sure sounds like dad was a shining example of Christ, community and caring. My mom and I send deepest condolences for your loss. May Jesus comfort and bless you and your family.
I had the privilege of knowing Howard & Kay while they were parishioners ( very active ones, at that) at St Margaret Mary Church in Harrisburg. We would converse after Mass often. They inspired me with their love for each other and their service to the community.
I am happy they are together again. May all your beautiful memories help you navigate the days and weeks ahead.
Dr. Joseph & Yvette Jones says: Although we were not blessed to meet Howard and his beloved wife, we were blessed to purchase their home in which the Presence of our Lord fills. The spirit of faith that filled Howard’s heart fills ours, keeping the legacy of faith alive, along with love of family, friends and neighbors. It was our neighbors Ted and Debbie Knauss who shared that Howard went home to be with the Lord. We’re honor to live in the house he built. Blessing to his family and friends.
Howard and Kay were a wonderful and loving couple. Their senior group leadership over many years at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish in Penbrook created benefit and enjoyment for many in the Parish. May God bless them for their loving efforts.
It was joy taking care of Howard for the pass two. We had a lot of laughs. He is in a better place now with his wife.
We send our sincere condolences to the family. Howard and Kay were our beloved neighbors across the street from us for about 27 years. We appreciated Howard’s cheerful and outgoing disposition, his friendly smile, and passion for his family and faith. A hello in the driveway would often turn into a 20 minute conversation, and we loved it! Whether he was puttering in the yard, walking the dog or whistling the entire score from a Broadway musical, Howard exuded joy and passion for life. He was a real treasure and a neighbor whose memory we will always cherish.