Robert C. and Frank J. Lang Funds
Est. 2012 to support Seymour track and softball programs
In the town of Seymour, Robert “Bob” Lang was a community icon. The respected teacher and softball enthusiast was as well-known and beloved as any native son could be.
His 36-year teaching career in Seymour touched the lives of countless students and his passion for promoting and coaching girls and women’s softball led to many honors and accolades recognizing him as a pioneer of the sport.
When Bob passed away in 2021, he left the bulk of his estate to support sports programs in Seymour dear to him and his late brother Frank, who passed away in 2011. The Frank J. Lang Fund provides a scholarship to a graduating Seymour High School senior who ran cross country or track; the Robert C. Lang Fund supports softball programs in Seymour.
Robert and Frank were born, raised, and lived their entire lives in Seymour. Both graduated from Seymour High School - Frank in 1957 and Bob in 1959. Bob then attended Southern CT State University, where he received a BS in Elementary Education in 1963, and an MS in 1968; Frank joined the Army in 1958, and later graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from Southern in 1966.
Bob began his teaching career in Seymour's Center School, later moving to Chatfield School, where he taught fourth grade for 34 years. Meanwhile, Frank worked in the Danbury office of Social Security.
Bob’s passion for softball started in the 1950s, first as a fan of the women’s fast-pitch team, the Stratford Brakettes, then in the 1970s, as a volunteer for the George J. Hummel Little League (GJHLL) in Seymour. He helped build the GJHLL program and served as its commissioner right up until his passing. Under his leadership, the program has become synonymous with softball excellence, racking up a total of 20 state championships, topped off by winning the girl's Big League Softball World Series in 2007. Bob was also head coach of his beloved Red Devils for more than 40 years.
In the meantime, in his late 30's, Frank took up running. He began to race competitively throughout Connecticut and beyond, charging up hills in Seymour with a determined sense of purpose.
The Lang brothers had no direct heirs, so when Frank passed away, he left his estate to Bob and when Bob died in 2021, he left his estate to their funds.
“To Bob and Frank, the Town of Seymour was essentially their family, their heirs,” said Sharon Closius, VCF President and CEO. “It’s a wonderful thing, the kids of Seymour who benefit from these funds are really their heirs.”
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