Robert John Lange, affectionately known as Bob, of Worcester, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at the age of 71 on Monday, September 9, 2024.
Born in Worcester, Robert Earl “Bob” Lange was the cherished second son of Earl and Madeline (Akelaitis) Lange. His formative years were spent in Millbury, where he attended and graduated from Blackstone Vocational Technical High School in 1971. For nearly three decades, starting in August 1985 until his retirement in May 2013, Robert John Lange dedicated his career to the Upper Blackstone Clean Water Plant in Millbury.
Despite facing significant personal challenges stemming from a serious car accident at the young age of sixteen, Robert John Lange lived a life filled with richness and depth. He was deeply loved and supported by his family throughout his life. Later in life, he found invaluable friendship and mentorship in Sam Shah. Sam played a pivotal role in Robert John Lange’s life, guiding him towards a healthier path, free from drugs and alcohol for the last seven years of his life. Bob’s family expresses their eternal gratitude to Sam for his unwavering kindness, care, and guidance.
Robert John Lange had a deep appreciation for music, particularly the blues sounds of Muddy Waters and the reggae rhythms of Bob Marley. He found joy in simple pleasures such as scenic car rides along the New England coastline and reminisced fondly about past fishing trips to Westerly, Rhode Island, with his brother Brad. He also enjoyed the small thrill of testing his luck daily with a Massachusetts Lottery scratch ticket. As an uncle, he was proud and loving to Alex and Maddy, and a wonderful brother to his sister Linda and her husband John, cherishing memories of visits to their Colorado home.
Robert John Lange was predeceased by his parents, Earl and Madeline Lange, and his older brother, Brad, who passed away in 2021. He is survived by his sister Linda Lange Trtanj, his brother-in-law John, nephew Alex, and niece Madeline Trtanj, all residing in Colorado. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Ginny Lange of Sutton, eleven first cousins and their families, his dear friend Sam and Sam’s son Daniel. Throughout his life, Robert John Lange treated everyone he encountered with kindness and respect, values he also sought in return.
The graveside service and burial for Robert John Lange will be held privately.
