Dr. Joseph Morton Langner

After 97 years of a life well-lived, Dr. Joseph Morton Langner passed away on the morning of May 23, 2022, in Southington, CT. Born in the Bronx in 1924, on what was to later become Pearl Harbor Day, Morty was a WWII Veteran, having served honorably as an infantryman on the European front. 

    He was married to and is survived by his best friend and the love of his life for over 73 years, Natalie (Bernstein). He was also devoted dad to Ellen (Larry) Ward of Fountain Hills, AZ, Stuart (Georgia) of Norwalk, CT and Howard (Ann Patterson) of Austin, TX.  He was proud grandpa to Justin Ward and Samuel Langner. He was big brother to Miriam Marcus of Delray Beach, FL. Morty was predeceased by his parents, Hyman  and Bessie (Budofsky).

    Within days after their wedding in October 1948, Morty and Natalie set sail on the ocean liner Nieuw Amsterdam, docking at the Port of Le Havre, France, with Zurich as their destination. They both developed strong connections to the medical school community there, forging life-long friendships. The experience of living in Switzerland became a treasured part of their shared history.

    Starting with residency at Stamford Hospital, Connecticut became home. The family moved to Southington in 1955, and then to Meriden a few years later. For 40 years, Morty was an authentic family doctor making house calls, delivering babies, doing hospital rounds; he did it all with skill and dedication. A rural practice sometimes meant innovative forms of payment, chickens notwithstanding!

    Retirement gave Morty the opportunity to cultivate his skills as an artist. The longtime doodler became a skilled painter. He loved to travel by land, sea, or air. He also enjoyed exercising and camaraderie at the Southington YMCA.

   Morty will be remembered for being a subtle jokester, for his integrity, and for his ability to enjoy the simple pleasures, such as a good book or an engaging crossword puzzle. He was always up for a cup of coffee and a little something to nosh with it. He was a quiet listener and a deep thinker who enjoyed socializing. When he did speak, people listened; he knew and remembered so very much. We will miss his wisdom and warmth.

    The last several months of Morty’s (also known as “Joe” at that point) life were spent at Southington Care Center. The family wishes to thank Morty’s caretakers for treating him with dignity and compassion. Gratitude is also extended to the staff and friends at The Orchards at Southington, who provided rides for Natalie so that she could spend as much time as possible with Morty.

    Funeral arrangements are private. Memorial donations can be made to a charitable organization of your choice. The Cremation Society of New England has been entrusted with the final arrangements.  To leave a message of remembrance please visit: www.newenglandcremation.com

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