Ronald F. Lange

Ronald (Ron) Fredrick Lange, 93, of Leominster, Massachusetts, died on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at his home on Cumberland Road in Leominster of natural causes. Ron was born in Kankakee, Illinois on August 9, 1932, to parents Irene and Fredrick Lange. After Ron graduated from Kankakee High School, he considered becoming a concert pianist, however, went on to graduate from University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in science instead before heading to University of Minnesota obtaining his Ph.D. in Organic and Inorganic Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics. While working in Wilmington for DuPont, Ron met and married his wife, Joyce Davis Lange, in 1961. Joyce gave birth to his only son, Davis in 1964. Ron remained in Wilmington working at Dupont until 1973, at which time he changed jobs, moving to Leominster, Massachusetts, which became his permanent residence. Ron co-developed and patented the process to apply permanent color to synthetic materials while at Dupont which we all enjoy today in the clothes we wear today. Moving to Leominster, his next endeavor was at Decatone in Westminster, Massachusetts developing coloring processes for textiles. While on hiatus from traditional employment during the Regan Years, Ron taught himself French over one summer (Latin background from college) and taught at Fitchburg High School. Following high school teaching, he worked for Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) attending to employee financial needs. Finally, at the closing of DEC he moved on to become a Chemistry professor at Fitchburg State College (FSC), later transitioning to mostly College Mathematics part time at FSC up into his mid 80’s before finally retiring from the workforce. Ron, a Stereo Photography enthusiast who would venture early mornings to catch a perfect lake reflection enjoyed traveling with family and friends during his life to many parts of the American West, as well as to New England's mountains and coastlines. He may be one of the oldest people to enjoy a 9-day raft trip down the Colorado River in his late 70’s. Ron traveled extensively abroad including Italy, Switzerland, Hawaii, and Iceland. Ron’s annual trip to Lake Calumet with his church friends and annual fall foliage exploits to Tall Timber lodge with exquisite meals at the accompanying Rainbow Grille and Tavern in Pittsburg NH were also his joy in life. Ron enjoyed the company of many cats throughout his life, especially Shadow who lived with him for 20+ years up until a month before his passing. Ron enjoyed acrostic puzzles (daily effort), and going to plays at Montachusett Community College every month. He was an active and dedicated member of Emanuel Lutheran Church of Fitchburg. After decades of not playing his piano (a Medium Grand wedding present from Joyce), in his late 80’s he remastered playing the instrument and would occasionally play pieces at church on Sundays during their services.

Ron is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Davis Lange, of Leominster who passed in 2010. He is survived by his son, Davis (Catherine) Lange and granddaughter, Kyra of Sturbridge. He is also survived by a large number of friends and family relations in the Leominster area and around the country whom he interacted with regularly during his life. A Celebration of Ron’s life will be held at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 1200 John Fitch Highway in Fitchburg, MA 01420 on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 2:30 pm. Wright-Roy Funeral Home, 109 West St., Leominster directed burial arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, Ron would have wanted donations given in his memory to Emanuel Lutheran Church in Fitchburg. To light a candle, sign the guestbook or send a message of condolence please visit www.wrightroyfuneralhome.com.

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