Randolph Russell

RANDOLPH- Randy, 61, is preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles and numerous friends. Survived by wife Christine of 26 years, daughter Rylee, sisters Becky and Bobbi and their husbands. Brother in laws, sister in laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins…so many important family members to name. Randy's passion for food has carried him through a career in the food industry that spanned from The Old Management Club, Indiana Country Club, Rolling Rock Country Club, Sunnehanna Country Club and then on to a Culinary Instructor at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and at Westmoreland Community College, from which he graduated. His final chapter was with student dining at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was planning on retiring at the end of the year. Throughout all stages of his career, he was able to share a friendship with all based on a true love for food. Randy loved all sports but he especially loved the Steelers and the Pens. During football season, Sunday mornings would be spent in the kitchen making food for the game. He loved watching college basketball and took in more games during this past March madness than he ever expected. He passed along his love for basketball to Rylee and even went so far as to coach her middle school team. He was very proud of their winning season. Their father/daughter bond extended past their love of basketball & continued on to martial arts. They both enjoyed studying karate under Joe Goss Sr and Jr and they even received their black belts together. He could be found at her tournaments whether it be karate or travel volleyball. The latter of which he had limited knowledge, but he was always the biggest supporter of his little girl and such a proud father. Randy enjoyed all kind of exercise whether it was in a gym or at home. With help and support of his wife, Randy was trying to stay healthy. He had hoped to stay in shape so he could get back to some of his hobbies like fishing again with his lifelong friend Jim Hahn. The last passion that he enjoyed was receiving his Harley Davidson motorcycle on his 50th birthday. For these past 10 years Randy and Chris have been able to enjoy the freedom of riding on a Saturday or Sunday, plan several trips or just hop on it to grab a bite to eat somewhere. Being a very private person did not mean he didn't have a huge heart. If he let you close enough you would see the enormous amount of love, he was able to give. His friends would catch glimpses of this man, calling him loyal and genuine. They would also say he had a fun-loving mischievous side and he would always have a quick grin and chuckle to accompany that. When he was with family, he truly dropped that final wall. He displayed strength and ferocity to protect his family always; however, words cannot describe his conquest to fight for his life and the pain he endured to remain with them. Although his cancer was aggressive and painful his faith is what helped him endure through it all. In the end the love for Randy was to release him from the pain. Taking comfort in knowing he is free from the agony and his spirit and love will live on in all his family, friends, colleagues and anyone that knew him. Randy can now cook on, ride on, live on and beyond all love on watching over us from his heavenly home. Friends will be received Friday, April 14, from 4-8 at John Henderson Co. Funeral Home, 215 Central Ave. and Saturday, April 15 from 9:30-10:30 at St John Gualbert Cathedral where the funeral mass will be at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, please make donation to Proclaim TV Ministry, St John Gualbert Cathedral-PO Box 807-Johnstown PA 15907-0807

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