Herbert M. Lang Jr.

April 15, 1945 — August 24, 2021

Herbert Marston Lang, Jr. was born on April 15, 1945 in Brooklyn, NY to his loving parents
Herbert Marston Lang, Sr. and Grace Barr Lang. When he was born, Bert as he became known,
had an older sister. One neighbor reportedly told Grace that she now had the perfect American
family, and she hoped that she enjoyed it. But that was not the plan for this family. Bert's
parents proceeded to have an additional five children, all of whom were girls. There are stories
in the family that Bert remained hopeful with each birth that he would get a brother; but this
was not to be. There are many more observations that demonstrate that although Bert may
have wished for a brother, he loved each sister with all his heart.
Shortly before adolescence Bert's family relocated to New Jersey where he spent many years. It
was quite a change from the streets of Brooklyn to the sand and pines of the Jersey Shore, but
Bert adapted well. He attended Brick Township High School when it first opened, and played on
the fledgling hockey team, which as years have passed has earned a strong reputation. It was a
source of great pride to Bert to have that Green Dragon legacy.
Bert loved meeting people, and once you met him you were his friend. He loved to make people
laugh and hoped they would do the same for him. He deeply enjoyed the company of his sisters,
although at times he would tease them mercilessly!
Music always filled the Lang house and Bert was blessed with a beautiful voice. The family has
fond memories of his wonderful voice harmonizing with his talented sisters. Sunday dinner was
in the early afternoon, and as the table was cleared, guitars were tuned and the music began.
These are especially sweet memories.
Bert faced challenges, as we all do; but he never lost his sense of humor or his ability to
demonstrate his love and devotion to his family. He had four daughters: Gina, Susan, Tracy and
Amy to add to the total of females in his life. He was a gentle soul and frankly, was not surprised
that this was his fate!
Bert and his wife Helen were married for more than four decades and shared the highest of
highs and the lowest of lows. Through shared experiences their relationship grew stronger and
deeper; Bert adored Helen and always spoke of how lucky he was to have found her.
They faced one of their greatest challenges when their youngest daughter, Amy, was born with
Cystic Fibrosis. At the time of her birth very little was known about this devastating disease; but
one thing was sure, Amy's prognosis left little hope that she would survive past adolescence. It
was a long and arduous battle, and Amy passed away on April 16, 1993 in Chapel Hill, NC.
Following Amy's death Bert and Helen returned to Vermont and struggled to find peace and
purpose. They learned of the foster parent program through the Vermont Department for
Children and Families, and decided to become foster parents. Ironically, they learned that the
greatest need was with male children, and soon their home was filled with young people who
were desperate for structure and attention. It amazed Bert and Helen to see depth of this need
as they opened their home and hearts to countless troubled young people. A few years ago,
Bert and Helen chose to follow a new path; they began to foster the youngest members in the
system. Babies, some addicted to drugs, came to their home where they received extraordinary
care and attention. Bert and Helen have been recognized by the Vermont Department of
Children and Families for their exemplary work of many decades. The imprint of each of these
children is on their hearts; they did so much for so many just by being themselves.
One of the children who came to them as a very young boy dug his way deep into their hearts,
and at a certain point they knew they could not let him go. William was adopted by Bert and "
Helen and completed their family. Bert and Helen had a son! William's recent high school
graduation was a great source of pride for his family, and one of Bert's final photos is of him, on
Father's Day this past June, with Helen, all of his beloved children, and Will wearing his cap and
gown.
Bert is survived by his loving wife and best friend Helen, his wonderful children: Gina and Dr.
Larry Ertel, Susan Lang, Tracy and James Jordan, and his son William, his sisters and their
families: Ginger, Myra and John Adams, Marygrace and Joe Petillo, Nancy and Roger Jasaitis,
Cindy and Jon Tellekamp and Bobbea Fina, his cherished grandchildren: Kelsey Blakeney and her
fiancé Jake Behuniak, Kaitlin Blakeney and Brandon Sweet, Kristina and Brandon Mattison, Kayla
Duval, Mac Ertel, Chloe Ertel, Hailey Midgley, Kennedy Midgley and Chelsea Midgley. He also
had two beautiful great-grandaughters: Adelyn and Avri Mattison. His nieces and nephews and
great-nieces and great-nephews are too numerous to name, but suffice it to say that their only
uncle born a Lang was very special to them, and he will be missed by all.
Due to the current situation with the pandemic, there will not be any services for Bert at this
time. It is the family's hope that we will gather in the spring and memorialize him in the manner
that he deserves.
In lieu of flowers, Helen and the family have requested donations be made to the Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation in Bert's or Amy's memory. You can donate online by going to cff.org or mail a check
to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 4550 Montgomery Ave. Suite 1100N Bethesda, MD 20814.
Rest in Peace Bert; you will be greatly missed.

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Herbert M. Lang Jr.

April 15, 1945 — August 24, 2021

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