Joseph Langer

Joseph Langer, 91, of Elyria, died Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at Wesleyan Village after a brief illness. Joseph was born August 17, 1923 in New York, NY and had been an Elyria resident for the past 2 years moving from Vermilion. He was a veteran of the United States Army having served during WWII where he received the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal and the American Theater Service Medal. Joseph became a well known lighting engineer starting his career with Gotham Lighting, NY. He then worked for ITT Lithonia in Vermilion for many years retiring in 1988. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Vermilion and enjoyed golfing, fishing, photography, and reading. He especially enjoyed spending time with and talking about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Peggy (nee Testament) Langer of Elyria; son, Michael Langer of St. Louis, MO; daughter, Anne (Bruce) Burke of Brooklyn, NY; daughter-in-law, Doreen Langer of Elyria; step sons, James Renfro of Elyria and Toby Allen of Avon Lake; step daughter, Julie (Bob) Cox of Vermilion; grandchildren: Jesse Burke, Corey Burke, Taryn Burke, Carol Stitak, Daniel (Ashley) Langer, Sarah Cox, and Jeffrey Cox; great grandchildren, Madelyn and Adam; and brothers, Emanuel "Manny" Langer and Howard "Howie" Langer. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carol (Zuer) Langer; parents, Jacob and Tillie Langer;son, Alan Langer, sister Rebecca Kurzwell; and brothers, Hyman and Louis. A private memorial service will be held with the Vermilion Veterans Council conducting military honors. The family would like to thank the Wesleyan Village staff and the Hospice of the Western Reserve for the special care they provided. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Cleveland Area Chapter, 38440 Chester Rd., Avon, OH 44011 or the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Buckeye Chapter, 26250 Euclid Avenue, Suite 115, Euclid, Ohio 44132. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.