Lawrence Meredith Lengel, 94, of Waynesboro, PA passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026 with family by his side after a long but gentle battle with dementia.
Born on May 29, 1931, to Jonathan M. Lengel and Clara Belle (Henderson) Lengel in Wayne, PA, Dr. Lengel graduated from Radnor High School in Wayne. He attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy for one year before transferring to Haverford College, where he received his undergraduate degree. He went on to obtain his master’s in education from Harvard University and his PhD in education from the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Lengel spent his professional life in the field of education as both a teacher of history and social studies and as an administrator, including as superintendent of schools in Newport, PA and Tuscarora School District in Mercersburg, PA.
On Valentine’s Day in 1952 Larry met the love of his life, Jean Mathias Lengel, and they were married in June of that year. Together they raised two daughters, Gretchen Lengel Kelly (Robert Kelly) and Karen Elizabeth Lengel. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Jonathan H. Lengel and Warren H. Lengel. In addition to his wife and daughters, he is survived by his grandchildren, Justin Lengel Kelly and Audrey Lengel Kelly; and his great-grandson, Adin Noel Kelly.
Larry will be remembered as a loving and gentle husband and father, a kind and loyal friend and someone dedicated to treating everyone with fairness and dignity. He loved music (as long as it wasn’t written later than Mozart), cats, writing, reading, woodworking, and building furniture as well as three harpsichords and a clavichord. He had an excellent sense of humor, though it could sometimes be quite quirky. He will be dearly missed.
The immediate family is grateful for the wonderful end of life care Larry received at the Waynesboro Hospital and Mercy House in Chambersburg, PA and for the attentiveness and kindness shown by extended family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 A.M., Saturday, February 14, 2026 in The Church of the Transfiguration, 13646 Summit Ave., Blue Ridge Summit, PA with Rev. Jody Barthle officiating. Burial will be private in Calvary Chapel Cemetery, Beartown, PA.
The family will receive friends at a social hour following the service in the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Antietam Humane Society, 8513 Lyons Road, Waynesboro, PA 17268 or The Waynesboro Area Business, Education, and Community (WABEC) Foundation, P.O. Box 545, Waynesboro, PA 17268.
Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, Waynesboro, PA is handling the arrangements.
