Randall Stack

1947 - 2022

STACK, Randall Trent "embarked" on the journey to meet his Maker after the last sip of his Manhattan, surrounded by family and friends Sunday Sept. 4, 2022. I was holding his hand as he took his last breath. "Randy" was born Feb. 2 (Groundhog Day) 1947 in Arlington Virginia. His father, Gerald, worked for the government at that time. When he was about three years old, the family moved to Florida, where they ultimately established The Tampa Ranch, in Palm River, a Brahman Cattle Ranch, where they bred and exported cattle all over the world. They introduced the breed to Cuba and many South American Countries as the Brahman Cattle tolerated hot humid climates well. Randy started life as a rancher with his parents, two brothers, and sister. In 1963, "G.T.Stack & Sons" ranching operation was moved to Lithia Florida, and exportations expanded to Malaysia, Philippines, Martinique, South Africa, and Taiwan, China. Randy attended OLPH School and Church where he was an altar boy. He grew up in the Catholic Faith throughout his school years. He made many life-long friends at OLPH, and also Jesuit High School, where he graduated in the class of l965. Randy excelled in his studies and also his love of basketball, debate, acting in school productions (Best Actor award), not surprising for those who knew him well. He later married Conni Bence with whom he raised three daughters, twins Jonna and Joani, and Cher. He adored his family and they always said to him "You are the best daddy ever". Cher loved to tell him that he gave the world's best kisses. There was not anything that he would not do for his girls. He loved them from the bottom of his heart. He later moved his family to Medina, Ohio, where he worked in a steel mill while attending University of Akron. He graduated Summa Cum Laude, the highest and greatest distinction of the three commonly used types of academic honors recognized in the United States. After graduation, he went to work for the Thom McAn Shoe chain, a division of the Melville Corp, as an auditor traveling the US and Puerto Rico. In 1976, Randy moved his family back to Tampa, Florida where he accepted a position with Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner and Smith as a Financial Advisor (a stockbroker in those days). In 1986 he left Merrill for Smith Barney which later became part of Morgan Stanley, where he stayed employed to this day. Another role he took on in the securities industry while he was an advisor, was that of an arbitrator for the National Association of Securities Dealers where cases came up and panels were formed to mediate disputes. He loved the challenges of thought. He always said that he loved his Jesuit education because they "taught you to think". Something we need more of today. Randy and I met at Merrill Lynch in 1979 where I started my career as a Financial Advisor. We were friends along with the rest of the gang at Mother Merrill as we called it. It was not until much later, 1993, that we became partners for life. We moved to Davis Islands in 1994, our current residence. Over the years, Randy and I traveled Spain, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, Gibraltar, many Caribbean Islands, many arriving by air, others by ship. Randy and I loved to visit New York City at Christmas time, many times with friends and family. He loved boating, fishing, dining with friends and entertaining family. Randy loved to cook. He made a killer Spanish steak using his Mother's recipe, and meatloaf and pot roast, as well as other intricate menus. He also loved the Patriotic Holiday barbeques. Another interest he had was his occasional visits to the Temple (Hard Rock Casino) where he would meet up with friends to play Black Jack, his card game of choice, although he also liked various games of poker. He was an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction, sometimes finishing two to three books a week. If you have not read "Undaunted Courage" he highly recommends it. Randy as one friend mentioned recently, "was a straight shooter." He said it like he saw it. No holds barred. He was highly principled and spoke the King's English he liked to say. These were many of the traits that I admired of him. Randy lived a full life. I believe he was ready to meet his Maker when the time came. Albeit, he was only 75, young in todays' world, he had many health issues as those who know him well were aware of, but he tackled them head on, like a true warrior. I believe he just got tired of all the battles and was ready to start his journey. We are missing him tremendously. Randy was predeceased by his parents, Gerald Thomas Stack and Theresa Stack; sister-in-law, Marjorie (Gerry). He is survived by myself, Cheryl A Ciccarello; daughters, Cher Stack of Tampa, Jonna and Joani Stack of Albuquerque NM; Conni Bence of NM , mother to Jonna, Joani and Cher; brothers, Gerry Stack and Michael Stack; sister, Patsy Stack; sister-in-law, Kathy Stack all in Tampa, along with several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his best friend of 70 years, Patrick Hurn and his wife Mary of Tampa. Lastly our four legged family of Ricky, Little Lucy, It's Ethel! Freddy, and Louie. He was loved and will be missed by all. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his favorite charities of The Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Special Olympics, Tunnel to Towers Foundation or your favorite charity. A Celebration of Randy's life will be held on Sunday, September 18. Friends are welcome from 3-4, with the Celebration beginning at 4 pm at Blount and Curry Macdill, 605 S. Macdill Ave,Tampa, Florida. Hope to see you there. www.blountcurrymacdill.com