Frederick P. “Fred” Lang – (80) – formerly of Hornell, died early Monday morning (December 15, 2025) at his home in St. Petersburg FL, following a long illness.
Born in Rochester, NY on January 17, 1945, he was the son of Bernard & Emma Jeanette (Brighman) Lang.
When Fred was just a small child, his mother died and from 1949 – 1955 he lived at St. Joseph’s Villa and was raised by the Sisters of St. Joseph. After his father married the former Dorothy Ewing, Fred was able to move back and was raised by his dad & step-mother and lived in Scottsville, NY.
He was a graduate of Wheatland-Chili High School (class of 1963). Following high school graduation, Fred enlisted in the US Navy where he was a member of the Navy Drill Team. He served his country during the Vietnam Era and had been stationed aboard the USS Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), a CVA 42 Aircraft Carrier. He was honorably discharged in 1967.
After being discharged from the Navy, Fred moved to the Hornell area and began his career in the insurance business and for two years was employed by Allstate Insurance, selling insurance out of the Sears Roebuck Store in Hornell.
On January 1, 1970, Fred purchased the E. Allan Witter Insurance Agency which he operated until 1991. In 1973, he established the Lang Agency inc., which was both Insurance Agency and Real Estate Agency. Throughout the years the Lang Agency was operated from several locations, including Main St., Canisteo, 17 Church St., Hornell, 176 Main St., Hornell, 364 Seneca Road, North Hornell and 27 Main St., Hornell. He retired in January, 2006. In addition to his real estate & insurance businesses, Fred owned & operated Maple City Appraisals during the 1980s & 1990s. He later served as a real estate consultant.
Following his retirement in 2006, Fred spent the winter months in St. Petersburg, FL and the summer months at his cottage on Lake Demon.
Fred had been a communicant of St. Ann’s Church of Hornell and more recently attended St. Mary’s Church of Canaseraga. He was a 50 year member of the Hornell Elks Lodge; 50 year member of the Hornell American Legion; a life member of the Hornell VFW and a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose.
He was an avid card player and especially enjoyed playing poker, euchre, hearts & pitch. Fred also loved rooting for the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres and the Tampa Bay Lightning. A life-long swimmer, he stayed in shape by taking his daily swims in his swimming pool or the Ocean (during the winter months in Florida) or in Lake Demon (during the summer months). For many years Fred also stayed in shape by playing in the YMCA Men’s Noon Basketball League.
In addition to his parents and step-mother, Fred was preceded in death by his brother, William Lang.
He was married on February 7, 2025 to his longtime “BETTER-HALF”, the former Kathy Clark Panter who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, Frederick Lang and Theodore “Ted” Lang; his daughter, Jeanette “Jenny” Rauber; his step-children, Karla (Jason) Dungan, David (Taylor) Panter and Beth (Kenny) Depew; his half-brother, Charles (Aleshia) Lang; his step-brother, James Jessen; several grandchildren; step-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.
At Fred’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church of Canaseraga at a later date (Spring of 2026) followed by a “GOING AWAY PARTY” at the Hornell Elks Lodge.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Fred’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com
