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Albert Rando Obituary
Wall Twp. - Al Rando, a musical legend of the Jersey Shore, passed away at his home in Wall Township, NJ on July 28th, 2019 at the age of 93. He was born Albert J. Rando to Anthony and Josephine Rando of Staten Island on September 16th, 1925.
Al, despite becoming blind at the age of 6 months due to the measles, missed beauty through sight but had an abundance of joy from the beauty of sound.
He attended the NY School for the Blind in the Bronx. He was able to play tunes on the piano as a child and took accordion lessons later on. At Curtis High School he took radio courses and later built his own short wave radio station. He become an amateur radio operator, his call being W2NCH. Amateur radio became a wonderful life long hobby with world wide contacts.
Yet music was his first love and career. He succeeded in developing his sound with his keyboards, at times surrounded by 4 keyboards until he achieved the sound of an orchestra or big band.
He began playing in Staten Island as a teenager, and later in NY City including the Dixie Hotel. But the major part of his career took place on the Jersey Shore at several locations, notably at the Beacon Manor Hotel, PJ Ruggles and Brennen's Steakhouse, where he played the piano from 2004 until 2018.
Al brought joy to so many with his unique gift of music for over 70 years.
In addition to his parents Al was predeceased by his brother Felix Rando and more recently his daughter-in-law Carol Rando.
Al leaves to cherish his memory one son Albert J. Rando Jr. of Kingston, NY, one grandson Alex Rando of Las Vegas, NV; two brothers, Rudolph Rando and Robert Rando Sr., both of Montauk, NY; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
His special niece Laurie Kenny and dear friend Carol Myron have been wonderful caregivers to Al in his later years. He will be sorely missed by them and many others, especially Diane who was a great help to Al for the better part of a 50 year caring relationship.
In 2017 a short documentary of his life was filmed after he had a heart valve replacement. It can be accessed at newheartvalve.com.
In respecting Al's wishes, there were no services. There will be a celebration of his life for family and friends at Brennen's Steakhouse in Neptune, NJ on Monday September 16th at 8pm.
If you would like to leave an online tribute, please visit Horizonfuneralservices.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Albert Rando
Sponsored by Horizon Funeral and Cremation Services Inc. - Toms River.
Lynda M Schmelcher
May 26, 2020
I never met Al I am daughter of Robert Shirley Schmelcher my parents are close friends with Al they stayed at his home
November 28, 2019
I just learned of Al's passing as I wanted to phone him to wish him a Happy Thanksgiving. I knew Al as a fellow radio ham for a number of years and visited him at his home on several occasions. He was a great friend, a gentleman, and a talented musician.
Bob Zanotti
Bern, Switzerland
Donna Ryan
October 7, 2019
Al came to mind today after so many years..... let's just say in the 1980's I had the privilege of seeing him play many times. What a wonderful man and so talented. May he rest in peace.
Ray Keefe
October 2, 2019
W2NCH now a SK.
Al,
I will cherish all the talks we had on ham radio over the years. You were a true gentleman on the air.
Alice and I had the pleasure of finally meeting you and hearing you play.
RIP my old radio friend.
73
Ray
K2RJK
Joy Barry
September 30, 2019
RIP Mr. Rando. Was always my pleasure to come to Brennan's and hear you play my favorite songs, especially the Mills Brothers. My deepest sympathy to the family. Until we meet again. Much love, Joy from Jersey City.
Bill and Gloria Hume
September 11, 2019
what a wonderful lifetime friend you have been! I'm so glad I've gotten to know you and listen to all the beautiful music you've played! Rest in peace and will see you in heaven God bless your family.
Chuck Simmons
August 28, 2019
Heartfelt Thanks for your beautiful music. No one will ever match your talent.
May God Bless You and your Family...
Gary Cuccurullo
August 19, 2019
The Maestro has left the building..... BUT will NEVER leave our hearts Gary _/) see ya later Al !
Gary Cuccurullo
August 19, 2019
August 18, 2019
Al's great concerts for the Monmouth Organ Society will always be remembered.
August 14, 2019
Al gave so much to so many with his beautiful music. My husband and I always requested "All I ask of you" when he was playing at Brennen's. He always held my hand and asked my name as I made my request. We have missed him since he retired and always asked for him when we stopped by Brennen's. Not the same without him. Prayers and blessings to his family at this difficult time. Al now plays for the angels.
Wendi Wieczerak
Neptune N.J.
August 13, 2019
So sorry to learn of Al's passing. He was a very close friend of my aunt (Jane) and Uncle (Jim) Catalano and served as a mentor to my cousin Jimmy who emulated Al's style in several places along the Jersey Shore. I vividly recall Al exactly as he is shown in the picture accompanying this obituary, surrounded by 3 organs and making beautiful music. On my frequent visits to Brennen's I would introduce myself to Al and always received a warm welcome, followed by a rendition of Al-Di-La in memory of my father. Al will be sorely missed. May he Rest In Peace.
Lou Catalano
North Las Vegas, NV
Nancy Eichorn
August 13, 2019
Al touched so many people through his music. A unique individual who will always be remembered fondly. He was best friends with my Dad who he now joins in heaven. I hope that they are both back on the air! God bless and RIP.
Nancy Eichorn
August 13, 2019
So many memories of Al and the pure joy he showered on many through his music. Best friends with my dad, who he now joins in heaven. I hope they are back on the air. God bless and RIP.
KAREN HEDDEN
August 11, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your music will live in our hearts forever! You and Jack are together again!
Karen
August 11, 2019
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
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