FULTON, NY – William J. Randall, 93, of Palermo, died Friday December 7, 2012, at Oswego Hospital.
Born in Albion, he was 50-year resident of Palermo.
William retired in 1974 from the Central Square School District where he taught math.
Two years following his retirement, William returned to teaching until his second retirement in 2009 as a substitute teacher for the Fulton City School District and was the recipient of the Golden Apple Award.
Many of his former students would remember Mr. Randall’s card tricks that he would show the class, but only after their school work was completed.
He was a veteran serving in the Navy.
William was an Eagle Scout and had been a camp director for many Boy Scout camps.
He was also a camp director at the YMCA camp and Future Farmers of America, Oswegatchie Camp where he was aquatic and assistant camp director.
In the 1930s William had worked for the C.C.C.
William enjoyed being outdoors where he liked to garden and bird watch.
Surviving: his wife of 59 years, Mary Lou Randall; daughter, Nancy Iorizzo; son, William (Mary Ruth) Randall; one granddaughter, Cassie (Ryan) McGinley; great-grandson, Max McGinley.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday 4 to 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. service to follow at Foster Funeral Home, 910 Fay St., Fulton.
Burial will be private at North Volney Cemetery.
Because of his love for children, in lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Future Farmers of America, Oswegatchie Camp, 9340 Long Pond Road, Croghan, NY 13327.
Foster Funeral Home, Inc.
www.fosterfuneralhome.com
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Mr Randall was an awesome teacher as well as a great person in general. I’ve always known him as a strong, funny, intelligent man. He will be greatly missed by all of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Mr. Randall was such a kind man and I remember him fondly when he substituted at G. Ray Bodley High School. He was always so wonderful with the students. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
A wonderfully kind man who will be missed. Always wore a smile and had a kind word. Having a bad day, to walk into a room and see him there with a smile, would turn a student’s day around. A memorable educator who is spoken of often and who will be remembered with admiration and respect.
Mr Randall was a special man who touched many students’
lives as a sub at GRB. He helped us grow as individuals while making us laugh. Mr Randall will be sadly missed.
Mr. Randell…One of a kind… He was an amzing man and teacher, I remember all of his tricks he use to do and card tricks… I use to get a hall pass to sit and watch after I left his class…Glad I got to meet him…God Bless him and his family…
Mr. Randall was always such a gentle, kind soul. He was an amazing substitute whom earned the respect of each individual he met, due to how respectful he always was to others. His smile warmed hearts, and I will always remember him with the fondest of memories. Happy memories, caring thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be missed.
I remember Mr.Randall as one of my favorite substitute teachers. I was just doing a little math. The article said he retired in 2009 (3 years ago) and that he was 93 when he passed. That means he taught until he was in the neighborhood of 90 years old. That goes beyond simply earning a paycheck or keeping himself busy. That is dedication in its purest form. Future generations of school students in Fulton are certainly missing out in his absence.
It was always a pleasant surprise to see Mr. Randall as a sub in your class at GRB. I remember his briefcase of card tricks, and that electric zapper thing, whatever that was but it always made us laugh. The thing is, we always did any work we had super fast so we could spend the rest of the class time listening to Mr. Randall talk, and share his life stories with us. Card tricks mixed in too! Such a great man, heaven has gained another angel!
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was such a great man. He was my favorite substitute ever. He will be greatly missed!
We have lost a true local legend. Rest in peace, Mr. Randall. This community will miss you dearly. You did good!
Mr. Randall was an amazing subistute! Always a good story and laughs. If you ever had a sub it was always a pleasure to have him. May you rest in peace you touched so many throughout your life and you will be missed.
Hi had the honor of not only having Bill as a substitute teacher in high school, but I also got to work with him years later when I became a teacher. He was truly someone who brought joy to everyone he came in contact with. He was an inspiration and true light in this world. He will be missed by so many and remembered for years to come.