Ralph Kenneth Lang

Ralph K. Lang, 84, died Sept. 1, 2025, with family by his side at Emerson Hospital under hospice care. Ralph was born in Lawrence, MA, on November 30th, 1940.

 As a young child, he lived in Methuen, MA, Norfolk, Virginia, and Devencrest Ayer, MA, his parents finally settling in Littleton, MA at the end of WWll in 1946, where Ralph grew up and attended the Littleton schools. Ralphie enjoyed skiing at Hartwell Hill in his early years, being both a ski instructor and a ski patrol. Working for local farms in his youth, he became a member of 4H, where he showed his prize Ayrshire dairy cow “Princess” for several years at county and Springfield fairs. He was also a member of the Boy Scouts, earning Eagle Scout status. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving for 8 years in active and reserve duty. Returning home, he worked as a mechanic for small businesses for local companies. Eventually acquiring his CDL license, he started driving oil trucks; later working as a mechanic and driver for SanVel Concrete Co., finally moving into heavy equipment, becoming a construction backhoe operator until he retired. 

On June 19th, 1965, Ralph married Nancy Kimball, also of Littleton, and this year they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They had settled in Boxboro, where they made their home for 45 years, raising there son Shawn. During those years Ralphie worked hard but also played hard enjoying snowmobiling in the winter both touring and racing them. He loved camping and cooking outdoors. In general he loved being out in nature. Ralphie loved dogs and acquired a Standardbred Poodle he named Shadow, that became his devoted sidekick and friend never leaving Ralph’s side. Ralph toiled on his land growing his own produce that he and Nancy together worked at preserving for their winter supplies. He could be found in the fall season working extra hours helping out on his in-laws Apple Farms. They also acquired a family home on the bay in Eastham, Cape Cod Mass; spending his summer time improving the homestead over the years it became the love of his life. They enjoyed every spare hour down there, enjoying boating through the wildlife preserves taking in and appreciating natures beauty; or going out on his Boston Whaler fishing for Cod and. Haddock. They eventually sold their home in Boxboro and moved to Foster street Littleton across from the Kimball family farm where Ralph built with heart and soul his final home in which he retired. 

Being a person who loved working out doors, he enjoyed landscaping and maintaining his property for the rest of his life. At this time After Shadow had passed Ralph was wanting another furry companion and purchased a little Tibetan Terrier named Cisco known for their affection and devotion, Ralph was not disappointed as Cisco was true to his breed and true to Tibetan legend will become his protector in death. Ralph didn’t take many vacations but in his last years, he and Nancy accompanied by his little brother Barry and wife Patty arranged two adventures. The first going to the Keys in Florida and continuing onto a cruise to the Caribbean. Second was an adventure not to be forgotten, to Alaska enjoying the immense beauty and wilderness; completing a life long dream. 

Ralphie is survived by his wife Nancy (Kimball), Son Shawn, and his wife Holly Gillespie-Lang; Granddaughter Emma, and 3 brothers and 2 sisters; Roland and Carol (Munroe); Robert and Dawn(Millar); Barry and Patty( Jacobson); Ruth (Gillen) and Valerie (Leger). Ralph is also predeceased by his Brother Raymond and his wife Janine; and (2) brothers-in-law Edward Gillen and Ronald Leger. Ralph leaves behind 2 cousins, Bryan and his wife Cheryl Lang, and Wayne and Lisa Lang. He also leaves behind Nieces and nephews, an extended number of grand nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews

His graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the Westlawn Cemetery, 7 New Estate Road, Littleton, Massachusetts, 01460.

Arrangements are under the care of Badger Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 347 King St., Littleton, MA 01460. 978-486-3709