Randall J. "Randy" Fello

GENEVA - Randall J. "Randy" Fello, 74, passed away on October 29, 2025. Born in Albany, N.Y. on Christmas Day in 1950 and raised in Endicott, N.Y., he was the beloved son of Joseph and Katherine Fello.

Randy is survived by his devoted wife, Irene (McKeever) Fello; and their children Joseph, Deanna, Christopher (Brandy), and Kaitlin (Max); his two cherished grandsons, Dylan and Gavin; extended McKeever family, including Irene's five brothers and two sisters, dozens of nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and former students whose lives he touched deeply.

Guided by a curious mind and a "can do anything" spirit, Randy lived a life filled with learning, creativity, and hard work. In 1969, Randy graduated from Union-Endicott High School where he was the crowd favorite "sixth man" on the men's varsity basketball team. After high school, Randy went to SUNY Delhi where he would meet his wife, Irene. While at Delhi, Randy majored in food, hotel, resort management, and was elected president of the Kappa Sigma Epsilon fraternity. After graduation, Randy began his career in hospitality at Syracuse University before he and Irene moved to Geneva, N.Y., in 1977. Together, they opened Pooter's Pub on Seneca Street where they would meet many lifelong friends.

As their family grew, Randy's self-taught carpentry skills allowed him to remodel two of his family's homes. Randy also loved the water, boats, beaches, and lighthouses. His carpentry skills and love of the water converged in one of his most legendary adventures where he and his wife Irene purchased an old houseboat, removed the house, and created the infamous "Ship of Fools" where countless joyful days were spent on Seneca Lake with family and friends. It was those same carpentry skills which ultimately lead him to his calling as an educator at Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES, where he inspired students to pursue careers in the trades for 20 years until retiring in 2015.

Randy held several academic degrees, including a Master's in Education and Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS), and was immensely proud of his achievements. He often reminded his children, with a twinkle in his eye, that he scored a 1400 on his SAT. Irene, ever the fact-checker, confirmed it was true. He loved watching basketball and football, and as a child would often travel by train with his father to see the New York Yankees play in New York City which he loved to reminisce about.

Randy was also a gifted musician who played entirely by ear. As a boy, he played the accordion with the "Five Little Joes" at various Slovak celebrations within the Binghamton area. In the years following, Randy delighted family and friends by playing the piano at home and purchased many musical instruments which were to be played by his family during many unforgettable nights in their living room on White Springs Lane.

Randy also had a special love for animals, especially dogs, and shared a deep bond with Maggie, the beloved rescue pup from Las Vegas who rarely left his side.

Randy will be remembered for his thoughtful heart, his big and generous spirit, his love of music, his belief in the dignity and freedom of all people, and above all, his devotion to his family. His greatest legacy lives in his four children, who will carry forward his love, values, and sense of adventure.

A celebration of Randy's life will be held at a later date.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the team at Strong Memorial Hospital for their highly professional and compassionate care for Randy and his family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ontario County Humane Society at 2976 County Rd. 48, Canandaigua N.Y. 14424.