Contact UsAlexandriaChantilly

(703) 378-6896

Chantilly, VA

Alexandria, VA

Joseph Harry Langley Jr.

joseph langley

We are sad to announce that on Friday, August 26, 2022 Major General Joseph Harry Langley Jr. (USA-Ret), passed away at the age of 80 after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.

General Langley is survived by his sister, Patricia A. Sisson, four children, Christopher Joseph Langley, Patrick John Langley, twins Jeffrey Andrew Langley and Michelle Langley Stroupe and seven grandchildren, Katlyn, Lucie, Abigail, Carter, Olivia, Hannah and Andrew.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Harry Langley and Mable Swann Langley, and his loving wife of 45 years and one day Kathleen Hammerbacher Langley.

He was born in Philadelphia PA and moved to La Plata MD at a young age and attended both Sacred Heart Elementary School and Archbishop Neale High School.  After graduating from Archbishop Neale in 1960 he went to work at the Naval Ordnance Station Indian Head MD where he entered a training program and earned an Associate Degree in Engineering Technology. He worked as a Machinist, Production Controller, and Engineering Technician before moving to the Naval Sea Systems Command Headquarters where he continued his career as a civilian in the Department of Defense and retired in 1995 as Director, Program Support Division for Surface and Area Anti-Air Warfare Systems.

Concurrently with his civilian career MG Langley pursued a Military career spanning over 36 years that included assignments in the Active Army, Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve. General Langley enlisted in the Maryland National Guard and joined the 29th Infantry Division as a Private in Company D, 121st Engineer Battalion, La Plata MD in 1960. After serving as an enlisted member for four years he completed Infantry Officer Candidate School, Ft. Benning GA, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. He held Command positions within the 29th Division at every level including Company, Battalion, Brigade, and Assistant Division Commander Support.  He was promoted to Major General and assumed the duties of Commanding General of the 10,500 member 29th Infantry Division (Light) in December 1992.  He served in that capacity until his retirement in July 1996. General Langley obtained a BS degree in Political Science from the University of the State of New York, and also completed the Army’s Senior Service College, the Army War College in Carlisle, PA.  Following his Army retirement General Langley worked as a Consultant and Contract Manager for a Defense Contractor until he fully retired in January 2000 and established part time residency in Sun City West, Arizona.

His love of flying led him to be a licensed Private Pilot. He enjoyed playing golf, watching his beloved Redskins play football, hiking the Grand Canyon, and frolicking in the Atlantic Ocean in Ocean City Maryland, with his children and grandchildren.  He also enjoyed writing poetry and designing greeting cards using both his poetry and his photos.  He was a big fan of Bluegrass and traditional Country Music with Merle Haggard, George Jones, Waylon Jennings, and Willy Nelson among his favorite artists.

Highlights of his many lifetime achievements include being a Military Leader, a Senior Government Manager, and a loving and devoted Husband, Father, and Grandfather.

A family celebration of life will be held at a future time and place to be determined. The family asks that any donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

An image showing the branch of service for Army

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Photo Gallery

Guestbook

  1. Pop Pop, as we know him, was a very special visitor at Gunston Elementary for many years as he joined his granddaughter, Katlyn, for lunch almost weekly.
    Our hearts are heavy. Prayers and hugs to his family.
    Lynn & Cassandra (Gunston office)

  2. Gonna Miss Ya. Joe was always so positive when he came by the office to meet/visit with Tyler and me. I am so glad I was privileged to know Joe and call him a friend.

  3. We are sorry to hear of the loss of your father, Jeff. We are sending prayers to you, Lauren, and the girls.

  4. Joe and I joined Company D, 121st Engineer Battalion 29th Division in the early 1960s in LaPlata Md. We have remained in frequent contact over the years and I will miss hearing from him. His passing distresses me deeply. RIP General Joe.

  5. I grew up idolizing the great athlete Joe Langley in the 1950s. Yes, he was a big fish in a small pond, but that did not diminish his great humanity and kind heart.

    I had the good fortune in 1963-64 to become part of his car pool from Waldorf via La Plata to NOS Machinist Apprentice Program. At 20/21 his wisdom and maturity was far beyond those a Dozen years older.

    I was a good pitch player, but Joe taught me a few tricks. ;). Charles County folks know what I am talking about. Others, don’t have a clue.

    Fast forward to 1988. Joe and I crossed paths at Fort Ritchie, Md. He was a Brigade Commander in the famous 29th Infantry Division and I was the Facility Engineer for little Army post in north central Maryland. It was great
    to meet Kathleen and their beautiful children.

    By 2018, I discovered Joe and I shared 3rd great grand parents. All I can say is that was icing on the cake. We were Cousins.

    Regardless, we were friends and comrades in arms. RIP Cousin. Love you.

    Tom

  6. Langley Family- Sending my condolences to each of you. May you find Peace in all the great love & memories you all shared. Your Father was such an outstanding figure to many of us. Much Love-

  7. Major General Langley was a consummate professional soldier. I first met him when I returned from Vietnam, he was then a Captain in the Maryland Army National Guard. I was very proud to serve under his command much later when he became Commander 29th Infantry Division(L).
    Jackie, Reid, Chris, and I extend our thoughts and prayers to his family.
    Very respectfully,
    CSM Thomas E. “Tim” Hutchins, United States Army, Ret

  8. Chris,
    We are so sorry to hear about your dad. Have met him several times and I know it is a huge loss for you and your family. Our prayers go out to you.

  9. So sorry for your loss. Your sorrow WILL be replaced by the joy of your loving relationship. All my love…. Peggles xoxo

  10. As new neighbors on Gateshead Rd., we met Joe and Kathleen when teen Jeff offered to mow our lawn. We came to know Chris, Pat and Michelle and later bonded with Joe through our mutual appreciation for and love of the special place of dogs in our families.

    Joe has been a constant source of inspiration and hope. We miss him and send our sincere condolences to family and friends.
    Shirley and Kenneth


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle Cancel reply