David T. Randolph

David Truman Randolph was born on December 31st, 1949 in New Britain, Connecticut. His mother Elizabeth Hansen Randolph (1920-2011), tragically widowed when David's father Truman Randolph (1921-1949) passed away before his birth, worked tirelessly to support and guide David and his older brother Gary Lee (1947-2011). Betty's love, buoyant spirit, unparalleled work ethic, and passion for the New York Yankees were more than evident in the way David chose to live his life. He graduated Pulaski High School and proceeded to put himself through college at the University of Connecticut – the first of his family to do so – honoring his love of nature by studying Geology (with beloved dog Mugger by his side at most classes), and graduating a lifelong UConn basketball fan. At a party thrown by mutual friends, David met Carol Whitford, a young teacher from Wellsville, New York. Carol knew he was too good a man to let slip away, and the pair soon fell in love. They spent their courtship surrounded by a close-knit circle of friends, especially those David had grown to love in high school and with whom he always made time to go fishing. Carol and David spent summers as camp counselors at New Britain's Fresh Air Camp for underprivileged youth, which David referred to as "the best job he ever had." It was there David met Major Schade, the mentor who would eventually help him to present Carol with an engagement ring. They were married on April 14th, 1973, and would remain happily so for the next 39 years. Carol and David moved to Canton, Connecticut and were blessed with three children: Lisa Marie, Brian Charles and Adam David. David continued to work long days (and often nights) as a driver for United Parcel Service to provide for his family, often taking his lunch break in a public park to get a few stolen moments with Carol and the kids. In 1995, having made a reputation for himself by repeatedly standing up for union rights, David (now "Boots" to his work family) was elected a Business Agent for Teamsters Local 671. He retired the browns for a suit and tie, at first an odd adjustment after so many years on the road. But he was at once fiercely dedicated to the new job and poured his heart into fighting for the union's many members, having found his passion. David retired in 2010 at age 60 to enjoy the hard won fruits of his many labors, having always understood that life was short and what you make of it. He spent more and more time at the Randolph summer home on Harvey's Lake, Vermont, doing what he loved best – relaxing with his family and fishing with a brown dog by his side in the boat. He and Carol took many memorable trips with dear friends and surrounded themselves with love and laughter, his spirit indomitable. It would remain as such until his peaceful passing on May 18, 2012 from brain cancer. David's last weeks were evidence of a life well lived – multitudes of cherished friends were always at his side, caring for his family and sharing the many good memories through which his soulful existence will live on. David is survived by his wife Carol, children Lisa, Brian and Adam, their beloved significant others Sean Russell, Hannah Keefe and Chaya Thanhauser, and his dog Lucy. His legacy is one of positivity, kindness to and respect for others, and the lasting effects of an honorable life lived on all who cross one's path – a true inspiration to those who knew him. We will remember David together on Thursday, May 24th at 11:00 AM at the Avon Congregational Church, where he was a devoted member for over thirty years. David's care at Hartford Hospital throughout treatment and in end of life was administered with a kindness and sympathy for which his family is forever grateful. Memorial contributions may be made to the Avon Congregational Church, 6 West Main Street, Avon, CT 06001 or the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102.