Andrew Joseph "AJ" Lange's Obituary
Andrew Joseph “AJ” Lange, Jr. passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at the age of 74. Beloved husband of 51 years to Carmelita Lange. Loving father of Andy, Kelly and Chad. Son of the late Lucie Lange and Andrew J Lange, Sr. Brother of Wayne, Leonard, Gary, Kim, Sandra, Marvin, Chris, Tony, Donnalee, and Theresa Ann. Grandfather of Drew, Malik, Asia, Tydrione, Hannah, Chassidy. Uncle to many beloved nieces and nephews.
AJ is a true example of how we should all live everyday of our lives. He loved life and believed in hard work and education. He modeled incredible work ethic and achieved numerous accomplishments in his 74 years. He believed anyone could do anything if they put their mind to it. He graduated Valedictorian of his high school class and at age 21 served in the Navy Seabee for 2 years, 13 months in Vietnam where he earned a Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star. AJ worked at a Folgers in New Orleans while going to trade school. He moved his family from New Orleans to Abita Springs after finishing school and bought land, designed and built the house he and Carmelita wanted for their family. After moving to Abita, AJ had a long and active career at Bellsouth, retiring after 34 years. During that time he served as the CWA Union President for four years. In addition to his career, he was active in the local community and politics. He was a Lobbyist for 16 years, 4 of which were in Louisiana and 12 in DC. He was also a Central Trade and Labor Vice President and Legislative Chair for the AFL-CIO for the past 12 years. AJ did things most people don’t even attempt, he ran for state senate and patented an invention. He was proud to be a member of the Knights of Columbus and VFW Secretary for 3 years and Commander for 2 years. AJ was very adamant about supporting and helping others. He supported the Special Olympics and Disabled Veteran’s Association. Each year he donated to the local State Troopers and Sheriff’s Association. AJ believed it was important to get everyone to vote and was very active in the community working to help get people registered. The same effort AJ put into work he put into his family. Every year, he took his entire family on vacation because he knew it was important to spend quality time together. He loved children and especially his grandchildren. In his leisure time, he also enjoyed hunting, gardening, and riding his motorcycle. He made a lasting impact on the people who knew him and he will live forever in our hearts.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at St. Jane de Chantal Catholic Church, 72040 Maple St., Abita Springs, LA 70420 on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 1:00 PM with visitation on Saturday at church beginning at 12:00 noon.
Interment will follow in Flot Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Mr. Lange to be made to Disabled American Veterans www.dav.org .
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