Edward Priest Langenheim

It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Edward Langenheim on 09/25/2024. Edward was born in Torrington on 06/22/1940 and was a graduate of Torrington High School where he lettered in multiple sports including football, swimming, basketball and track.  He grew up in the south end of Torrington and could always be found swimming at the YMCA.  Ed could often be found at Opperman Pharmacy, a popular hangout in Torrington where everyone would gather for great conversation, milkshakes, and ice cream sodas.

After graduating high school, Edward proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1960-1964.  He was a Rifleman while in the military and received a Good Conduct Medal and Rifle Marksman Badge.  He was part of the crew from the USS Enterprise during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was a member of the security detail for Alan Shepard after he returned from space and while stationed on the aircraft carrier Lake Champlain.  Ed’s detail was responsible for providing an escort for Shepard to the hospital so they could run tests.  As the security detail was about to escort Shepard away from the hospital, the telephone nearby rang and Ed, who was closest to the phone, picked up the receiver and said “Hello.”  The voice on the other end replied:  “This is John F. Kennedy speaking.  May I please speak with Commander Shepard?”  

After the Marines, Ed returned to Torrington where he contacted Carole to go out on a date.  They married on 07/31/1965.  Carole recalled her first unofficial date with Ed.  It was before he went into the Marines in 1960.  On one sunny day, Ed and his friend, Art Frigo, were hitchhiking to Sandy Beach on Bantam Lake.  Along came Carole Mason, in her black chevy convertible, on her way to the Senior class picnic at Sandy Beach. Carole knew of Ed and pulled over to ask where he was going.  She transported them to Sandy Beach and remembers Ed and Art eating all the food and leaving the picnic.  Something clicked because Ed and Carole remained married for 59 years.  

After his employment in the Marines, Ed was employed at Tommy’s Bike Shop and then in the Manufacturing Industry for most of his career. however, upon retirement, he began his second career as a driver for Ed Advance.  Ed was a member of the Torrington Elks Lodge #372 and also served as an Exalted Ruler, a District Deputy and was the President of the Americanism Committee for the State of CT Elks.  Additionally, he was the Maitre D for over 1000 weddings at the Torrington Elks.  He was a 32nd Degree Mason of St Pauls Lodge #11 in Litchfield and also a Shriner.  He was a wonderful husband, father and friend to all and he will be forever missed.  In addition to his wife Carole ,he leaves Daughter, Heidi Mason Langenheim and Son,Scott Priest Langenheim, and wife wife Deanna Langenheim. He was predeceased by a brother, Harry Langenheim and his parents . Friends may call Saturday Oct 5, from 9-11 AM at Phalen Funeral Home. memorial Contributions can be made to the Veterans service Office 150 Main St Torrington Ct 06790.

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