Beloved father, educator, and coach, Theodore John Lange (77), passed away after battling leukemia. Ted taught math and science courses at Cincinnatus Central High School and Dryden Jr. Sr. High School, before becoming a faculty member in the biological sciences department of the newly opened Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) in September 1969. A recipient of the 1989 Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, Ted spent thirty-two fulfilling years as a TC3 faculty member, until his retirement in 2001.
Ted, a standout high school and college athlete himself, shared his sports knowledge and skills with young people through coaching. He coached the TC3 basketball team from 1970-1974, as well as the golf team in 1971. At Dryden Jr. Sr. High School, he counseled several junior varsity and varsity sports teams as an assistant or as a head coach: girls basketball, boys & girls soccer, and golf. He also coached summer Babe Ruth baseball teams.
In addition to being a popular teacher and a supportive coach, Ted Lange was first and foremost a loving father. He passed on his passion for sports, gardening, and camping to his four children. These were activities that he, his wife, and his children could do together, from the time his children were young, continuing until they reached adulthood and had families of their own. Ted was able to pass on his love of active living to his eight grandchildren, as evidenced by multi-generation family camping trips in Maine, participation in athletics by all grandchildren, and the enthusiasm that helping in Grandpa?s vegetable garden generated.
Ted is survived by his wife of fifty-one years, Jeanne Wilkoc Lange, as well as their four children and their families: Christopher & Kristine Lange, Nicholas, and Brittany of Groton, NY; Kathleen Lange-Madden & Matthew Madden, and Patrick of Hopedale, MA; Elizabeth Lange & Gary Plotkin, Sarah, and Ethan of Duxbury, MA; Michael & Pamela Lange, Katie, Matthew, and Ryan of Leonardtown, MD. Ted?s elder sister, Dorothy Burgess resides in Middlesex, NJ.
There will be no calling hours, but a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Catherine of Siena Church in Ithaca, NY at 11 AM on Monday, July 15th, 2013. Donations in Ted Lange?s memory can be made to the one of the charities he supported: Southworth Library, Cancer Resource Center, or any charity of choice. Perkins Funeral Home is assisting the family. www.perkinsfuneralhome.com
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