Charles E. Lang

Born on June 8, 1943, in the Troy Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, the youngest child of Joseph James Lang and Rose (Sevcik) Lang. Charles’ mother died when he was just a baby, and his father was a steelworker. His oldest sister Patty, little more than a child herself, raised him and his siblings, enabling the family to stay together.

Charles enjoyed his early years playing ball at Cowley Field, racing his homing pigeons, palling around with his best friend Paul, and spending his summers at his Aunt Louise’s farm in Middlesex, where the city boy found he loved the country. Charles graduated from Allegheny High School in 1961 where he played football and baseball on the Varsity team. A natural athlete, Charles had passion for exercise. He lifted weights at the Boys Club and competed regularly in the Golden Triangle YMCA competitions, winning the titles of Mr. Pittsburgh - Most Muscular in 1964 and Mr. Pittsburgh - Best Arms in 1965.

Charles met the love of his life, Geraldine McDonough, when they went bowling and to Kniess’ Miniature Golf on a blind date. They planned on their second date before he even drove her home. Charles and Gerri married in 1965 and moved to Wexford in 1969 where they built their home, raised their children and had a truly wonderful life. They planned vacations every Summer to Wildwood NJ, sometimes to Virginia Beach with other families, and longer trips to California to visit Gerri’s sister, Kaye and other relatives, who had moved to LA from Pittsburgh. Fourth of July weekends were a highlight, and Charles’ favorite of all, spent on Conneaut Lake with his sister Rose and their extended families. Charles loved coaching his son’s NA Cowboys football teams, and his daughter’s Brad-Mar-Pine softball teams. He even built a weight room in the garage, known as Lang’s Gym, which was regularly used by the kids and their friends. Their home was always full of family and friends, whether just stopping by, or staying for a few weeks on a visit from California. Picnics, parties, storytelling and fun. After retiring, Charles made time weekly to stop by “the office” to visit his niece Michelle and share the latest story he was cooking up. Charles and Gerri enjoyed 61 years together, loving and taking care of each other.

Charles worked for the railroad for 40 years, starting with the B&O when he was just 18 as a laborer, became a machinist by trade and received many promotions, eventually moving to West Virginia to work at the Huntington Locomotive Shops, as a supervisor. He had many close friends from his railroad days, and he loved reminiscing about those good times and telling stories about the fun they had. When he retired in 2003 he and Gerri moved back home to Wexford to be close to family.

In 2019 Charles found himself in need of a kidney transplant and due to a tragic accident, Gerri’s cousin’s son Tommy Golden became his donor. Charles and his family are forever grateful to Tommy and the Golden Family for the gift of life they gave.

Charles’ pride and joy was his granddaughter, Abby. They were very fortunate and spent much time together during the Summers and after school while Abby was growing up and they developed the most very special bond.

Charles will be remembered for his storytelling, humor, drawings, his love of building things, from additions to birdhouses, to creating the most beautiful stained-glass artwork, but mostly for his deep love for his family and friends.

Charles is survived by his wife Gerri Lang, daughter Kim (Johnny) Chestnut, son Kevin (Megan) Lang, granddaughter Abby Lang, sister Rose (Ronald) Heurich, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph James Lang, mother, Rose Emily Lang, sister, Patricia (Edward) Scullion, and brother, Joseph (Shirley) Lang.

The family would like to especially thank Cousin Chrissy Tobin, for all the support she has given over the years - from encouraging Charles to seek a transplant in 2019 to caring for him and Gerri in his final weeks.

A celebration of life service will be held on August 8, 2026, at 11am at Allegheny County Memorial Park, 1600 Duncan Avenue Allison Park, Pennsylvania 15101.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Charles’ name to the National Kidney Foundation serving the Alleghenies at: https://www.kidney.org/offices/nkf-serving-alleghenies