Randy P. Smith

Randy P. Smith (March 22, 1955 – Jan. 23, 2026)

Randy P. Smith passed away peacefully on Jan. 23 surrounded by his loving family at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. He was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania to Charles and Gladys Smith. He attended Norwin High School, where he was an active member of the basketball team and competed in track and field. He graduated in 1973 and two years later married his high school sweetheart, Lauren Shranatan. They welcomed their son, Erik, in 1976.

Randy was a hard worker and held jobs in both construction and as a laborer for U.S. Steel Duquesne Works. He eventually became a skilled IT worker for Mellon Bank and Broadridge Financial Solutions. He most recently worked as a courier/clerk for the Department of General Services for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania after relocating to Harrisburg in 2017.

Randy had many passions which included watching sports and the Olympic Games, but he especially loved ice hockey and cheering for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He learned to play the drums at a young age and was an avid music fan, enjoying The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Sade and Andrea Bocelli.

Randy was also a huge fan of boxing and the "Rocky" movie series. He loved the story of an underdog who was able to work hard enough to make it to the top. Randy embraced his favorite quote from the movie in the way he lived his life. "It ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done."

Randy was a talented athlete. He enjoyed running immensely and competed in "The Great Race" in Pittsburgh. He also finished the Pittsburgh Marathon. He enjoyed mountain biking and trail rides with his son. In his later years, he was proud to enjoy the title of "Bonus Grandpa" and was often poolside watching Alex and Emme compete for their swim teams.

It was often said that Randy was the originator of the "dad joke." He loved to share and hear jokes; the sillier the better. He also loved to watch comedies. He had a terrific sense of humor and his enthusiasm for being "goofy" was infectious. It was for that reason that children were always drawn to Randy. His grand-dog, Lulu, also loved her time with "Pappy."

In addition to a enjoying his daily Dunkin run, Randy had a sweet tooth that earned him the nickname "Cookie Monster."

He is survived by his wife of nearly 51 years, Lauren, in addition to his son, Erik Smith of Harrisburg, his wife Alison, and children Alexander and Emerson. He is also survived by his brothers Craig Smith (Cindy) and Brian, both of Irwin, brother-in-law Larry Shranatan (Sheila) and their children Mikaela and Aiden, sister-in-law Michelle Chir (John), niece Jonelle Bovee (Matthew) and children Judah and Gabriel, maternal aunt Patricia Kistner and many beloved cousins.

His parents preceded him in death.

Randy's wishes were to be cremated. His family plans to hold a memorial service in his honor at a date to be announced.

"Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up." – Rocky Balboa