Robert C. Lang, age 80, of Seymour, entered into eternal rest peacefully on Friday, October 1, 2021 at Griffin Hospital in Derby. He was born June 7, 1941, loving son of the late Frank and Margaret Cook Lang, Sr.
Mr. Lang was proud to call Seymour his home, living his entire life in town. He was a graduate of Seymour High School’s Class of 1959 before going on to graduate with a Master’s Degree from Southern CT State University in Elementary Education in 1968.
Mr. Lang began his 36 year teaching career with 2 years at Seymour’s Center School, later moving to Chatfield School, where he taught fourth grade for 34 years. He took great joy in teaching and had a great deal of pride in his former students. Mr. Lang was always a positive and supportive person that would be ready to help anyone, especially his students, at a moment’s notice.
In the 1950s, Mr. Lang found his passion when he began to intently follow woman’s fast pitch softball, especially the Stratford Brakettes. Mr. Lang was a long time Brakettes season ticket holder, and deeply enjoyed attending all home games at DeLuca field.
Mr. Lang began his service to the George J. Hummel Little League organization as a Baseball volunteer in 1972. In 1973, during a time when support for women’s sports was low, Mr. Lang was instrumental in founding the GJHLL softball program and served as the softball commissioner right up until his passing. Under his leadership, the program has become synonymous with softball excellence, racking up innumerable district titles, a total of 20 state championships, and the penultimate victory, winning the girl’s Big League Softball World Series in 2007.
Also in service to Little League, Mr. Lang was the head coach of his beloved Red Devils for over 40 years. His dedication and unique approach to instruction facilitated the sports endeavors for decades of athletes. Many have since gone on to enjoy highly successful collegiate and post-collegiate careers. His coaching style and instruction were beyond reproach. Any of the many athletes under his tutelage will attest to this.
In 2009, Mr. Lang continued his effort to promote and further the mission of girls softball as a founding member of the Seymour Tradition travel softball program. The success of both GJHLL and Seymour Tradition have been remarkable. He has made a lasting impact on the many young women he coached and supported on and off the field. He has also made a lasting impression on the coaches, parents, volunteers, umpires, board members, fans, spectators, officials, and anyone else lucky enough to interact with him.
Mr. Lang was a firm believer in the mission of the Little League International organization and served as a CT Little League District 3 Assistant District Administrator for many years. He was a regular fixture at Little League International tournament games and will be missed dearly.
Mr. Lang was extremely active in other areas of the Seymour community as well, serving on many boards and commissions over the years, including the Parks and Recreation commission. Mr. Lang was the Chairman of the Seymour Christmas Parade for over 30 years.
Mr. Lang was a lifelong Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians fan. He thoroughly enjoyed the Browns recent successes and was not shy about his hopes of a Super Bowl Championship. Mr. Lang was an avid hot-air balloon enthusiast and a mostly legal firework aficionado. His displays on the Fourth of July and end of tournament gatherings will be greatly missed. Mr. Lang’s coveted parking spot will remain off limits.
His family includes several loving cousins who will all cherish his memory.
A Mass of Christian Burial in Celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Friday, October 8, 2021 DIRECTLY at St. Augustine Church, 35 Washington Ave, Seymour. Interment in the family plot at Mount St. Peter Cemetery in Derby will follow.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the family will hold a walk through only visitation on Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Miller-Ward Funeral Home, 260 Bank Street (RT. 67, across from Klarides Village) in Seymour. The family asks that all who attend to please wear a mask.
Memory gifts in Bob’s memory may be made to the Robert C. Lang Fund at the Valley Community Foundation, 253‑A, Elizabeth Street, Derby, CT 06418
