Franklin Lang

WORCESTER/PAXTON - Franklin Lang, Jr., 80, of Paxton and Worcester, passed peacefully with his family at his side on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at home.  Franklin was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Franklin and Viola (Steutel) Lang. He was predeceased by a sister, Cynthia Gay Lang, and a granddaughter, Tara Marie Lang.  He graduated from Polytechnic Preparatory Day School in Brooklyn, New York. He also attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.  He earned a graduate degree from the American Institute of Banking and also a graduate degree from The University of Wisconsin School of Banking. He worked for several banking institutions, including Worcester County Trust and National Banks, Union Warren Savings Bank, Peoples Bank, Shawmut Bank, Fleet Bank, and he retired from Bank of America. Franklin held a membership in the Rufus Putnam Lodge where he was a past master and a 50-year member. He was also a 50-year member of The Rutland Sportsman Club and a member of The Worcester Rifle and Pistol Club. Over the years he was active in his community as a membership chairman for the Paxton Heart Fund, a member of The Paxton Board of Health, and worked many years as a United Way Volunteer. He enjoyed photography, flower gardening, and target shooting. Franklin is survived by his daughter, Donna Lanagan and her husband, Kevin of Spencer, who tirelessly cared for him during his illness. He also leaves his son, William Lang and his wife, Theresa of Paxton; his grandchildren, Krysta Soulliere and her husband, Joshua of Warwick, RI, Michael Knipe and his wife, Amy of Fort Irwin, CA, and Ryan Knipe of Holden; four great-grandchildren, Jacob, Stephen, Michael, and Kadence. He also leaves behind his former wife, Judith Lang of Spencer. The family would like to thank all of the people who supported and cared for Franklin during his illness. Special thanks to The Jewish Home Hospice Program and Joanie, Maggie, and Angela. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 24, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden with a Masonic memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 25, at the funeral home. Burial will be held privately at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or to the Rufus Putnam Lodge, 293 Main Street, Rutland, MA 01543.To share a memory or leave an online condolence, please visit our "Guest Book" here on this page.