Daniel L. Langer

This world lost a wonderful soul when Daniel Langer passed away in his home Sunday August 21, 2022, age 66 years. Many hearts are saddened. Brooklyn born, Daniel made Northampton his home in the 1970s, where he quickly became known for his good humor, big laugh, and tireless work on behalf of people with disabilities. His coursework at Kent State, UWW, Antioch and Cambridge College produced a Master’s Degree in Education. In addition, he was a fluent Spanish speaker and spent a year in Central America training Peace Corps volunteers. He deeply believed in the ability of democracy to work for the common citizen and made a run for Northampton City Council in 1983. After securing a CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture) grant, he worked with the Canning Center, which taught basic nutrition, preserving and canning skills. He also worked for the Western Mass Food Bank. When the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed, he worked to integrate Belchertown State School residents into group homes in this community; he also advocated for the rights of people with disabilities in projects such as making Forbes Library wheelchair accessible. He became the lead planning analyst for the State of Connecticut Department of Human Resources, until 1991 when a car accident with an impaired driver forced him to end his employment there. Daniel worked hard to overcome the challenges of cerebral palsy. He was a self-starter, staunchly independent and determined. A friend remembers playing full court basketball with him in the late 70s. The accident in 1991 changed much of that, but not all: he remained cheerful and determined, despite being wheelchair bound. His friendships and interests (baseball and being a ‘political junky’) helped sustain him. Daniel is survived by his mother Mildred of Charlotte NC, his half-brother Martin of Medford MA and his half-sister Theresa McNamara of Bedminster NJ. He leaves behind a league of friends, including his oldest friend Jill Gilbert and his devoted family of years-long caregiving friends: Hartley Grant, and Diane and Bob Droescher. In the words of his friend Jill: “he was one of the most courageous and soulful men I’ve ever known.” All services will be private. DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME of Northampton has been entrusted with his services. Please consider donating in memory of Daniel to Cerebral Palsy Foundation, 3 Columbus Cir., 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019, or at yourcpf.org For more information or to leave a personal condolence to Daniel’s friends and family, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com

Daniel L. Langer

October 30, 1955 - August 21, 2022