Obituary of Francis Philip Tangel

Francis Philip (Frank) Tangel March 14, 1929 - April 10, 2021 Frank Tangel of Mahwah, NJ entered into eternal rest on April 10, 2021 at 92 years old. He was the son of Francis and Irene Tangel. Born and raised in Brooklyn NY, he attended PS 236, PS 203 and Midwood High School. At Midwood, Frank participated on the Gymnastics Team favoring the rings and the pommel horse, and in the Glee Club. He worked as a pharmacy tech and "soda jerk" at Taddin's Pharmacy, and continued to make the best chocolate egg creams. In the middle of his senior year, he joined the US Army on the "Buddy Enlistment Program" so he and his friends could serve together and benefit from the GI Bill to further their education. After completing basic training, he and those "buddies" were stationed in Korea, and upon discharge were honored as World War II Veterans. At Midwood, he also met his sweetheart Gladys, married after graduation in 1949, and shared 72 years together before her passing away on December 6, 2020. Frank and Gladys raised their four children in Brooklyn. He attended New York University, working nights at the National Guard Headquarters in NYC and weekends for Frank Kreics and Eugene DeLuca Builders. His hobby was still gymnastics, participating on the YMCA Men's Team, performing at USO shows. He graduated from NYU in 1954 with a BA in Chemistry and Mathematics. His first career employment was with Buitoni Foods as a Chemist, specializing in Food Technology while taking graduate courses at Rutgers University. With additional coursework at the University of Wisconsin, he became a licensed cheese maker. Frank and Gladys moved to Maryland for Frank to work at Oxford Royal Mushrooms in Kelton, PA. In 1967, Frank returned to Buitoni Foods as Plant Manager and Director of Operations, moving the family to Oakland, NJ. In Oakland, Frank served on the City Council, was active in Rotary and the Republican Party. For 50 years Frank was a licensed private pilot, IFR certified, and loved flying with Gladys, his children and grandchildren in his Cessna 172. For over 25 years, he was a dedicated volunteer in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary 10-20 Air Station in Caldwell, and was noted for being the "best stick and rudder pilot". Frank was also a proud member of the Quiet Birds and the Flying Octogenarians. His final career position was with Andrea Foods in Orange, NJ working part-time until he was 90 years old. Frank loved and admired his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by children; Linda (Andrew) Pounds, Frank (Barbara) Tangel, Richard (Susan) Tangel, and Philip (Maureen) Tangel; grandchildren Erik (Kristin) Pounds, Jessica (Sonia) Pounds, Kristin Tangel, Richard Tangel MD, Matthew Tangel MD, Danielle Tangel and Shannon Tangel; greatgrandchildren Kieran, Anna, Tatum and Liam Pounds and Spencer Pounds; brother Walter Tangel. Visitation will be held at the Oakland Memorial Home, 330 Ramapo Valley Road (Rt. 202), Oakland NJ on Friday, May 14, 2021 between 4:00 and 7:00 PM. Due to Covid restrictions, a private Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021 for family members at Immaculate Conception Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mahwah Emergency Medical Services, PO Box 551, Mahwah, NJ 07430.