Hornell, New York
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.
I managed the bank office of Security Trust Company, later Norstar Bank then Fleet Bank. I was in Hornell from January 1980 to August 1982. Played basketball with many of the local business owners and attorneys. Fred stood out in my mind because he was one of the first local to reach out to me and welcomed me to the noon basketball games at the Y. The daily games were great fun. Fred was a kind, considerate and loyal friend to all who knew him.
Fred was a great person and friend. Payed euchre with him and the boys for 25 plus years. Always looked forward to Fred and and Kathy coming back from Florida in May. RIP Fred
Fred was one of my best Buddies growing up in Scottsville, NY. We did all kinds of adventures in the woods and creek around our town. Fred was always a very outgoing person, and in High School, he was the Super Salesman of our yearbook committee. One of Fred’s first cars was a little Fiat. He blew the motor on it, and we replaced it with a used motor from the wrecking yard for $60.00. Those were the days. We used to float down Oatka Creek all day and come home with the worst sunburns. Life takes us down different paths, and Fred settled down in Hornell, NY. I spent my service time in the US Air Force, being discharged in 1968. I met up with Fred again in 1970 in Hornell, having taken a job at Suburban Motors that did not work out. Lost contact with Fred after that, as life to me to California in 1972 where i have lived ever since. A few years ago i decided to see where Fred was and made contact and we have been talking every few months until his passing in December 2025. You will be greatly missed my ol friend. Lenny