Randall Straka

Colonel Randall "Hunter" Straka (Retired)

Randall Edward Straka, peacefully passed away September 16, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Kathy of 35 years and the loving father of Hunter and Luke.

Randy grew up in Canonsburg, PA graduating from Canon McMillan High School in 1978. He played football at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor's degree in Criminology. He held positions as an officer in the Aliquippa and Upper St. Claire police departments, and later became a Pennsylvania State Trooper.

Randy discovered his love of flying and joined the Pennsylvania Air National Guard in 1986. In 1988, while training in Tucson to fly the A-7, he met Kathy. His determination to continue to fly fighters led them to Wichita, KS in 1991 where he transitioned to flying the F-16. He held positions as an instructor pilot, scheduler, flight commander and wing weapons staff. Continuing his passion of flying fighters, he secured a job in Tucson in 1995 instructing U.S. and foreign students. He also held the following titles: Wing Chief of Training, Alert Detachment Commander, 152nd Fighter Squadron Commander, 162nd OPS Group Deputy Commander and 162nd OPS Group Commander. After his retirement in 2011, he held the positions of Senior Lead Engineer at Wyle Aerospace and later, Program Manager at BGI.

Randy's greatest love were his two boys which he spent many years coaching them in sports, sharing his love of hunting and watching them grow into fine adults.

Randy was a true outdoorsman who loved nature. He was an avid hunter and would spend much of his spare time enjoying God's creation with his sons, friends and brothers John (predeceased) and Ed.

As Randy's illness progressed, he enjoyed quiet days with Kathy and their dog, Baxter. He enjoyed watching all sports, especially his hometown team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Straka family kindly asks for blood donations to the American Red Cross.

A private burial will be held at Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Marana.