Published in the December 23, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Paul Ernest Lang, 74, passed away at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Dec. 17, 2016.
He was born in Lackawanna, N.Y. and spent most of his childhood in Blasdell. He graduated from Frontier Central High School in Hamburg and Canisius College in Buffalo. Paul served his country in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years, retiring at the rank of major in 1987. While in the service he earned his master’s degree at the Air Force Institute of Technology in Ohio, traveled throughout Europe, East Asia and the United States and received multiple commendations.
After his discharge from the Air Force he continued to serve his country as a civil servant, retiring from the Department of Transportation in 2011.
He lived in several states, including New Hampshire, Minnesota, Texas, Ohio and Illinois, before settling in Melrose 17 years ago with his wife Yae. Paul enjoyed singing, taking voice lessons at Music 101 in Melrose, sightseeing throughout New England and watching TV Japan. A true life-long learner, Paul was an avid student of science, computer technology, music, history and politics.
He was a faithful communicant at St. Peter’s in Cambridge.
Paul was the husband of Yae (nee Aibara) Lang; son of the late Ernest and Elizabeth (nee Adrian) Lang; father of Amy Lang of Texas and Sarah (Jody) Lang of Indiana; brother of Suzanne (Frank) Gigliotti of New York, Marjorie (Arthur) Wohlabaugh of New York and the late Charles (late Catherine) Lang. He is also survived by six grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home on Tuesday, Dec. 27, from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 7 p.m.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
Interment will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to Zoo New England and the Southern Poverty Law Center.
To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
