Farnham A. Langell

On February 5, 2024, Farnham Alexander Langell, aka “Sam” of Albany, NY, passed away at the age of 97. Sam was born in Winthrop, MA in 1926, spending his childhood and college years on the East Coast.  Enlisted in the Army and honorably discharged at the end of WWII, he was supported by the GI bill and attended UNH where he met his future wife, Freda.  She was recruited from Norway on a skiing scholarship. Together, they had five daughters: three born in CT and two born in CO.

Sam’s successful career in sales entailed extensive travel countrywide, culminating as a Real Estate broker in both CO and NH.  After several years living in NH., running a Bed and Breakfast out of his home, he moved to Albany.

It was in Albany where Sam met his second wife, Maria, an artist from Hungary.  They made Albany their home for the past 30 years.  During his later years, he worked with and represented Umbrella of the Capital District, a service catering to homeowners in need.  Sam’s entire career was enhanced by his winsome personality and joyful spirit.  “He never met a stranger!” and made so many friends with clients and colleagues throughout his life.  He was a man of principle, generosity, and kindness.  Sam had a wonderful sense of humor, laughed loudly, cared deeply and loved fully.  He had a knack for making people feel good about themselves.

Sam is predeceased by two daughters: Astrid and Karin, each taken young in tragic accidents and both wives, Freda and Maria and sister, Jean. He is survived by his three daughters and five grandchildren; Elisa “Lisa” Langell with daughter Whitney, Ingrid & Kendall Butts with daughter Michaela (husband Michael Steed) and son Garrett, and Katie Meade with son Alex and daughter Leah.

Sam passed peacefully.  His last words, apart from “I love you”, were “Keep the faith” and “Don’t take any wooden nickels.”  One of his favorite mantras was the power of persistence, which he exemplified in his long, full life.

“A Celebration of Life” for both Sam and his wife, Maria will be held in mid-June in NY; date and location pending.  Please contact Lisa @ 518-428-7981 early June for update.  At the request of the family, please consider a memorial contribution, in memory of Farnham A. Langell, to Good Will-Hinckley, P.O. Box 159, Hinckley, ME 04944 or www.gwh.org To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com