Richard Jay Randell

Richard Jay Randell

July 27, 1946 – August 27, 2021

Richard J. Randell, age 75, of Omaha, NE, passed away on August 27th surrounded by family.  He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Eileen; sister, Evelyn Peltz (Dave); daughter, Heather Britten (Rob); son, Jon Randell (Erin); five grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and two sisters.

VISITATION: Wednesday, September 1^st from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel.  SERVICE & LUNCHEON: Thursday, September 2^nd from 10am to 12noon, West Center Chapel.  Graveside Service with Military Honors: Thursday, 2pm, Omaha National Cemetery.

To view a live broadcast of the Funeral and Graveside Services, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.

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Rich was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 27, 1946, to William Henry and Gladys Elsie Randell nee Welker.  Rich was the 7th of seven children.  He went by “Richie”, “Rich” and Richard (only when in trouble).  His father passed away when he was 11 years old, and he was raised by his mother and siblings.  Rich graduated from Willoughby South High School in 1964, as he says, by sheer luck. 

Rich enlisted in the Air Force on May 6, 1966, during the Vietnam War.  He was stationed at Beale AFB where he attended Yuba City Jr. College for some years.  Rich was voluntold he would be attending Ranger School and was sent on overseas missions, during which time his rank increased to Sergeant.  Due to an injury, he was offered the chance to go to Offutt AFB and become a member of the SAC Elite Guard.  His duties were guarding the base, being a member of the Drill Team and personal bodyguard to the Commander, Vice Commander, and their assembled staff.  Rich was honorably discharged on February 2, 1972.

Rich and Eileen met through mutual friends and married on July 14, 1972, and shortly afterward purchased their first and final home together.  They had two children, Heather and Jon, and raised them with love and unending support.  They never missed a school program, dance recital, wrestling meet, or bike race.  Rich told his children and wife every day that he loved them, and repeatedly ended phone calls with “thanks for being my kid”.

Rich had several careers throughout his life.  At one time he worked for Northwestern Bell, he opened a video arcade in Millard and a second in Bellevue, ending his career as a self-employed Communications Consultant.

Family and friends (who were always considered family) were first and most important to Rich.  He embraced Eileen’s family as his own and was proud to call her parents Mother and Daddy, he loved having more brothers and sisters.  His door was always open to any family member at any time.  Rich was always the jokester with a smile, a joke or four, a warm handshake and talked to anyone.  He volunteered and donated to various organizations throughout his life.  Rich got involved with researching his family tree and found relatives and information going back to the 1300’s.  He would proudly tell you after shaking his hand, “you’ve now shook the hand of a person who shook the hand of a person who shook hands with President Abraham Lincoln”. 

Before social media, there was Rich.  He would be the keeper of all phone numbers, addresses, birthdays, anniversaries and keep everyone in the know.  He would lovingly sign his emails “Town Crier, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Brother-in-law, Uncle and all-around nice guy”. 

Rich will be dearly missed by all who knew and deeply loved him.

Rich was preceded in death by parents; three brothers: William F “Bud” Randell, Thomas Edward “Tom” Randell, Robert Lynn “Robbie” Randell; two sisters, Eva Mary Danolfo, Margaret Ruth “Marg” Merhar.  Survived by wife, Eileen, of 49 years; sister, Evelyn Peltz (Dave); daughter, Heather Britten (Rob); son, Jon Randell (Erin); five grandchildren:  Alec Wesley Britten, Kayden Nicolas Britten, Emma Kathryn Britten, Etta Avery Randell, and Ila Elsie Randell.