1932 – 2003

MEXICO – L. Joseph Lange Jr., 70, of 146 Swett Ave., Mexico, died Friday, Oct. 17, at his residence.

Born in Wilmington, Del., Dec. 2, 1932, a son of Leo and Helen Seiler Lange Sr. He received the distinction of becoming an Eagle Scout and graduated from Salesianum High School in the Class of 1949. He attended and graduated from the University of Niagara in 1956 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry. He received his Graduate Degree in Theology and his Master’s Degree in Chemistry from the Catholic University in 1958, his Master’s in Philosophy from University of Chicago in 1956.

He entered the Oblate of St. Francis de Sales at the age of 16 and was in the Order for 32 years.

While an Oblate, he taught at the North East Catholic High School in Philadelphia for three years, at the Cathedral Prep High School for eight years. He also taught at the Salesianum High School in Wilmington, Del., and Allentown College in Pennsylvania for two years.

He published seven books on Spirituality and was editor of the Catholic Charismatic Magazine for five years. He also started and ran the Center for Renewal in Allentown, Pa., for eight years. He taught in the United States, Canada and Australia.

Father Lange was assigned at St. Philip’s Parish in Auburn, for five years, at St. Christopher Parish at Peaks Island for eight years, and at St. Theresa’s Parish in Mexico, for 12 years prior to his retirement on June 30, 2002. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, skiing and reading.

He is survived by a sister, Patricia Barnette and her husband William of Levittown, Pa.; several nieces and nephews; and Pauline and Robert Gotto of Mexico whom he resided with for the past five months of his illness and where he died.

He was predeceased by a sister, Laura Jane Capodanno.