Edward J. Lang

Edward James “EZ Ed” Lang, 81, passed away on September 9, 2021 in Rumford, RI where he gently took his last breath surrounded by family, after a battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was the adoring husband of Irene, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage.

Born in Elmhurst, NY, the eternal “Queens kid” was a first generation Irish American, the son of Catherine and Michael Lang of Donegal and Sligo respectively. He was the brother of Michael “Mikey” Lang, who preceded him in death, and Kathleen “Kay” Joyce, who survives him. Eddie grew up in New York listening to his relatives play Celtic jigs and reels every Sunday. He loved stick ball as a kid, entered the seminary as a teen, lived for original 50’s Rock and Roll, and spent 9 years in the United States Navy, which gave him the opportunity to see the world. It was from those same ships that he would write his bride-to-be love letters, or disembark for rides in his white ’59 DeSoto convertible in Newport, where he would later settle with his family for many years.

Eddie believed anything could be accomplished if a person was in good health and had an education. He was a proud alma mater of Officer Candidate School; St. John’s University; and the University of Hartford, where he earned his Masters. His studies helped him help countless others through a rewarding career in Health Care Administration, with a focus on home health care.

Edward is survived by his wife, Irene Lang, of Rumford RI, their four sons Chris, Matthew, Kevin, and Daniel, their spouses/significant others Wendy, Sara, and Chloe, and grandchildren Zachary, Delaney, Noah, Finley, Lumen, Vivien, and Maze.

Ed loved latin and frequently said “Carpe diem.” He was a devout follower of Christ and truly lived by the words, “Feed a man a fish, feed him for a day, teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.” He brought these lessons to his family, along with his life of prayer, his love of fishing, and his happiness at a good meal (especially one followed by dessert!). His interactions with loved ones and strangers alike sparkled with humor, sincerity, and laughter. Fishing on the Causeway in Newport, he shared his catch with whoever was near. Passing through a village in Guatemala one day, he bought ice cream for every single child. He befriended others easily, and brought his glow to every interaction, no matter how seemingly big or small.

Ed was devoted to St. Therese, the ‘Little Flower,’ who marks her miracles on earth with the sign of a rose. He will be deeply missed, and his love and laughter will always be with us. His family asks that you remember him in prayer and celebrate his life by sharing in the joy of life with all who cross your path.

A celebration of life funeral mass will be held Monday 9/27/21 at 10am at St. Margaret’s Church, 1098 Pawtucket Ave, Rumford, RI 02916, with a reception to follow. Further information is available from J.H. WILLIAMS & CO. FUNERAL HOME

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