Johnson, Randall SARATOGA SPRINGS Randall James Johnson passed on December 28, 2019. Celebration of life April 4, 2020, 2-6 p.m., Embassy Suites, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866. www.burkefuneralhome.com.

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Published by Albany Times Union on Jan. 12, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Randall Johnson

76 Entries

Albert Levo

May 4, 2020

Dear Cheryl, Our sympathies to you and yours. We enjoyed our yearly visits to Saratoga and the Saratoga Race Course. We always looked forward spending some time Randy and you in the backyard at Saratoga in the mornings and afternoons. We will miss those times. God Bless You Randy

Dan Beauregard

January 22, 2020

Cheryl, So so sorry to hear of Randys Passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I would always seek Randy out in a group to speak to him as he always made me laugh. He always made life seem so great. I will miss his laugh and smile.

Marlene Loeffler

January 13, 2020

Cheryl, so sorry to hear of Randy's passing. he was a great person, always friendly and nice. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughter.

April Erdelen

January 10, 2020

Dear Cheryl and family,
Mark and I are shocked by Randy's sudden passing. Our prayers, thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you. Randy has made every trip to Saratoga a wonderful memory that I will cherish. His zest for life, ability to relate to anyone and everyone(while remembering their name) and his pure excitement at picking the "favorites" are just a few of my favorite things about him. Please let us know if/when there will be a memorial.

Mark Glenzer

January 6, 2020

Dear Cheryl and Chynna: I want to share a funny and heartwarming story about your husband and father from a LONG time ago! It was Feb. 1978 and Randy and I started riding together,with my Mom Darline Glenzer, to Cassadaga High School to do our student teaching together. He in science and me in social studies. We had so many laughs and learned a bunch of hard lessons about teaching and life during the last four months of college at SUNY Fredonia. We busted our butts to become the best teachers and people we could possibly be! EVERY Friday without fail wed run to my car as soon as we could to shoot pool at Frawleys Tavern while having a few libations. Randy was a good pool player and a fun drinking companion. We only had about 35 minutes on those Fridays before we had to pick up my Mom who was a kindergarten teacher at Cassadaga elementary school for 25 years. Wed wait until the buses had left with the children and then wed walk in laughing and talking loudly to announce our presence to the school. My Mom would be mortified sometimes but she was a good sport who knew that 21-22 year old young men could be stupid and immature at times. She tolerated our indiscretions! Ive told that story, and variations of it, for the last 40 years to countless family and colleagues in education! I too married the love of my life, Anne, and weve been married 37 years with three grown sons! Ive been teaching for 42 years in NY, Oklahoma, and Alabama. Im an AP History teacher in Dale, Oklahoma presently even though Im retired in NY and Alabama. The section of the obituary that talked about Randys fun, smart,enthusiastic, and empathetic nature absolutely resonates with me. Ive forgotten sooo many people over the years Ive worked with but NEVER Randy!!!! His zest for life and sense of humor I will never forget! PLEASE continue to LIVE your lives with a spirit I know Randy would want you to feel and exhibit! If you feel a desire or need to talk by phone or email to me then heres my info: 251-463-8771 or markglenzer [email protected]. Sincerely, Mark Glenzer

Donna Snyder

January 6, 2020

Randy was an amazing science teacher to the students. He was my daughter, Kim's, inspiration for going into the biology field. He made his classroom fun while learning and that is one of the best qualities a teacher can have. Randy always had a huge smile on his face and truly loved being at the high school.

Kathy Loya

January 4, 2020

Dear Cheryl and Chynna So sorry for your loss. Randy was really something special. Will truly be missed by so many people.

Randi Kish

January 4, 2020

Dear Cheryl and Chynna...Im so sorry and saddened to hear of your dear Randys passing. His joy for life will always be remembered. He was truly a unique person who always had a smile for everyone he encountered. My sincere sympathy and condolences. Im so sorry.

January 4, 2020

Dear Cheryl and Family, I was so sad to hear about Randy's sudden passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Randy was always the life of any get together and that smile of his will be truly missed. Love, Barbara Redding

January 3, 2020

May God bless you Randy. You will be missed,Phil Pallozzi.

Gary Martz

January 3, 2020

Dear Cheryl and Johnson family,
Randy and I met as teen age boys in his hometown. From the moment I met him, I knew he was special and we had a great friendship so many years ago. I have talked about him so many times fondly thru the years and the entire Johnson family welcomed me into theirs.
I can remember when he first met you and was so in love. He could not believe he was so lucky that you would date him!
He told me after a short time that he was going to marry you, even though you may not know it yet. Randy was always so positive, energetic and full of life. His smile was incredible and genuine friendliness to everyone was
contagious bringing happiness wherever he went. He could even talk himself out of a fight. Cannot believe he is gone. We recently moved to Bear Lake year round and hoped to connect again. You both came to our wedding and I was honored you traveled in for it. I know he will be missed by all who were blessed to have known him.

Hank Kuczynski

January 3, 2020

Cheryl: Our deepest condolence on the passing of Randy. I will miss our frequent encounters and conversations during our numerous meetings as we walked in our most beautiful City.

January 2, 2020

Donna, Scott and I are sad to learn of Randys passing, He well be in our hearts and memorys forever. His impact on the school and community will be a legacy for years to come The MacFaddens Huntington Beach, Ca

Melody Scais

January 2, 2020

So sad. He was a fun teacher in The 80s. God bless the family .

January 2, 2020

Randy had a lasting effect on many in the Saratoga Community. He touched many lives. Guaranteed that you would be laughing in any conversation with him. My thoughts go to Cheryl, Chynna and his family. A great loss for the High School.

See you mate.

Glyn Chilton.

Jeanne Morris

January 2, 2020

Dear Cheryl and Chynna,
We are so sorry for your loss.. Randy was such a force of light and infectious positivity. The influence he had on his students and colleagues will continue to be passed on. He will be greatly missed.
Fran and Jeanne Morris

david lawrence

January 2, 2020

RIP,Mr JOHNSON,my condolences to family

Jim Baker

January 1, 2020

Dear Cheryl and Chynna, my sincerest condolences. Ever since meeting Randy back in the early 80's there has been one consistent thing that happened every time I spoke with or when Just crossing paths, I smiled. I will always try to remember him in that way, Love life! Rest in peace brother.

Phonsey Lambert

January 1, 2020

Coach Johnson was such a great guy. The smile and laugh would light up a room. Many of my buddies from SHS always would say Coach Johnson was there favorite teacher. Glad I got to know you over the years Pal. Your impact on the student /athletes at Saratoga High will never be forgotten...RIP my friend....

Nancy Bruno

January 1, 2020

My son Tim was on the boys track team in high school and its true what everyone is saying. Coach Johnson made everyone feel important whether you were the star or not. I also believe that it was Coach Johnsons influence that created an atmosphere of acceptance on the team that allowed for anyone to feel like they could succeed there. It was something he taught the boys and they would encourage each other. That is not something you see everyday in high school. It was a special time and place for my son and he talks about Coach to this day. And, true to form, Coach would remember Tim when they would run into each other downtown or at the track. It always made the day brighter. We were stunned and saddened like so many others to hear of his passing. Gone way too soon for sure. Our deepest sympathies to his family.

Cate & Jerry Stephen

January 1, 2020

Dear Cheryl & Chynna,
We were shocked & so sorry to hear of Randys passing. He was full of life, an advocate for his students, a crazy, caring colleague, a wonderful friend, & completely in love with his girls!
I always said that he was a character- full of love, jokes, life & a smile that brightened everyones day. As he bopped around the school or down Broadway energy just poured out of him & he touched everyone he met. No one was ever a stranger to Randy-he made everyone feel that he mattered!
I have many great memories of Randy but my favorite, by far, were our Friday afternoons at Sacandaga Lake! All four of us would head right up after our summer school day ended (before our girls were born). From the moment we got there until sunset we laughed & enjoyed life-thats what Randy did best-enjoyed life!
Cheryl, Chynna & all of Randys family, you are in our thoughts & prayers-know that Randy made a difference in everyones day & that he will be missed!
Randy-be at peace, my dear friend!
Love-Cate & Jerry Stephen

David and Betsy Gibbs

January 1, 2020

Cheryl and Chynna...Our deepest sympathies to both of you. Randy was truly a unique individual. I can remember his first year of teaching at the Junior High School. He was always full of exuberance and was so enthusiastic about his job. The same exuberance and enthusiasm for his job remained until he retired. He will truly be missed.

Michael DeLancey

January 1, 2020

Randy was a positive and nurturing teacher, coach, and friend. His positive impact on his community was immense. Thank you for being there for all of us ....

Wanda Burling

December 31, 2019

My deepest sympathy to you and your family. He will forever live in your mind and heart. Wanda and Charles Burling.

December 31, 2019

Coach Johnson was a class act from start to finish! I have the honor to say I was part of "his" first track team in 1983 and as many have shared he did what he could to bring out the best in us and made each feel special. Fly high coach!

Tom Bushnell
Gansevoort, NY

December 31, 2019

Cheryl, and Chynna, I was so stunned to hear of Randy's passing. Having taught with him at the high school for many years, I know that his exuberance and sense of humor were key to connecting with his students, as well as
with his colleagues. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Diane Poma

Crystal Perno

December 31, 2019

I am so sorry to hear of Randy's passing. He always made me smile at work. He talked about his daughter always with a huge smile and I could tell she was his gem! He always brought a ray of sun shine and lots of laughter into the science department office that was missed when he retired! I loved his passion for his students and making each student feel appreciated. I will miss randomly bumping into him down town and Randy reminding me of my birthday.

Rest In Peace Randy. Prayers to Cheryll and Chynna and the rest of the family.

Walt and Sue Jennings

December 31, 2019

So sorry for your loss. Randy was one of a kind.

December 31, 2019

Cheryl, know that you are in our hearts at this difficult time. JoAnne Piterniak

Bob Hill

December 31, 2019

I coached the boys high school track and field team with Randy for many years. He was a great coach and well loved by his athletes and his students. I will cherish my time with him - always a positive person, always a big heart and always great fun. He brought a smile to my face more times than I can possibly count. Thank you RJ! My deepest condolences to Cheryl, Chynna and his family. Our thoughts are with you.

Tommy Porter

December 31, 2019

I will miss seeing you at the track and when I come over to my parents house I always happen to see you. Also you were my coach for sports at the high school. My prayers to your family and rest in peace.

Nancy K. Welsh

December 31, 2019

R.J. was a great Coach and Friend to my son Dylan and to our family as well. Randy was the kind of guy who always made you feel as if you were the only person in the room when you talked with him. He had a smile for everyone and mischief in his eyes ! The world seems a bit dimmer knowing that he no longer in it. i am so very sorry for your loss.

Courtney Shea

December 31, 2019

One of the greatest teachers Ive ever had. Bringing excitement and humor to the classroom always. Rest easy.

Tina Morris

December 31, 2019

Thank you Mr. Johnson for being one of our children's favorite teachers. Our son, Logan went for his science degree because of your passion! He will always be remembered as a wonderful person. Our prayers are with his family.
Raymond, Tina, Logan & Domenica Morris

Hayley Chase

December 31, 2019

Mr. Johnson was my favorite teacher and I will always remember him. Sad to hear the news because he touched so many students lives. RIP Mr. Johnson- you will be missed!

Joe Greco

December 31, 2019

I was stunned to hear of RJ's passing. Randy and I shared a biology classroom my first couple of years at Saratoga and I was so thankful for the time (and conversations) we had. Yes, Randy was high energy, could remember anyone's birthday, and was probably the originator of the Dad Jokes. But my best memories of Randy were our talks about education and the importance of connecting with your students on a personal level. He loved people, and made it his mission to learn everyone's story. Thank you Cheryl and Chynna for sharing Randy on a few trips around the Sun. We are all blessed to have known him.

Joe Greco

Andy Morris

December 31, 2019

Cheryl and Chynna, I'm in total denial. This cannot be. I must wrap my head around the fact that Randy has left this earth. My closest friend in grad school at SUNY Albany, we shared so many memories together. We shared classes, including his Stat 2 class which the professor took the class to Saratoga for harness racing to test their complicated statistical formulae to predict the winners. Didn't work. We went canoeing on the Mohawk, succeeding in swamping our canoe in the middle of the river and there we were sitting in a canoe full of water until a large boat of old men came along and helped us to empty out the water. And summer tavern sponsored softball team for a place called the Outside Inn whose jerseys were printed and worn inside out. I learned to appreciate Randy's taste in music when he took me to funky-jazz-rock groups like Return to Forever, Stanley Clarke and Pat Metheny. Randy was as devoted to Cheryl as any man I ever knew or have known. All of us then in our twenties I did not know then how deeply in love someone could be with another. Every meeting, every visit, every late night hang out at your tiny apartment the joy that Cheryl and Randy enjoyed shone so brightly. Time and space forced us apart, years turned to decades. I will treasure your invitation to dinner when I was at a conference in Saratoga to renew our friendship and to rewind the videotape to a time when simple things brought us such joy. I feel for those students who passed through Randy's classes or sports teams he coached, as Randy was born to teach and coach and was always looking ahead to making a positive difference in the lives of young students he knew he would meet during his long career. I am happy that Randy and Cheryl reached retirement together and were able to enjoy that chapter of their life and with their daughter Chynna. My life-light is a little dimmer learning that Randy is no longer among us to smile, laugh and help all of us to do the same.

Joshua Keegan

December 31, 2019

I graduated high school in 1997. Mr. Johnson was my track and field coach through my high school years and was one of the most memorable people I crossed paths with. He treated everyone the same regardless of a very clicky environment at Saratoga HS and always motivated me to train hard and do my best. Even on a bad day he always found the positive in our teams performance. He had such a positive energy that inspired us all.
You will be missed coach Johnson!! My thoughts, prayers and sympathy to his family!! God bless!!

Tom and Maureen Shiland

December 31, 2019

Randy was an inspiration to me as a person and as a teacher. He was a friend and colleague. Even thinking of him now I smile at hard we laughed together. I am left with wonderful memories of his presence. He would start laughing as he told a story and you were drawn in to his tales of students he had known, demonstrations he had done in his class, athletes he had coached or experiences growing up. Just seeing him was enough to start me smiling.He radiated happiness. A bright light in our world has dimmed, but we are left with wonderful memories of his presence.

Jennette Hailey

December 31, 2019

Sending my condolences! Mr. Johnson was the favorite teacher of many

Kathleen Santamaria

December 31, 2019

My deepest condolences to Cheryl & Chynna and all those who loved Randy. My heart is heavy with the sadness of this news. Randy was truly one of a kind. His smile, zest for life, positivity & laughter were indeed contagious.

Jac

December 31, 2019

I loved you and looked up to you. I will miss you everyday for the rest of my life.

Deidre Wolfe-Therrien

December 31, 2019

So very sorry to hear of your loss. Mr.Johnson was my favorite teacher in high school. He made class fun and exciting. What a great man. Sending all my love to you and your family.
Class of 1992

Anthony Ovitt

December 30, 2019

He was 100 percent the best teacher I ever had. I was a total slacker but this guy kept me motivated to come to school each day. Very sad to hear this news.

Cindy Parker

December 30, 2019

My deepest sympathies to all of Randy's family and friends. Randy was a very well liked educator, admired by both fellow teachers and students. He loved what he did and smiled his way through life helping to brighten others he met. Cheryl, and Chynna, you were both his world loves. May the memories you have help you through this difficult time.

Christine Farra Kiracofe

December 30, 2019

I met Mr. Johnson in 7th grade when we was my science teacher. It was his first teacher year at SSHS. He made class so fun and went above and beyond to not only be a great teacher, but a great role model. He was all about relationships and kindness. He was always smiling ear to ear. I do remember a few times when he tried to get serious and stern with the class and would end up laughing. Cheryl- Love from the Farra Family- Ron, Jo and Christine

Carmen Bottini

December 30, 2019

Cheryl, on behalf of the SUNY@Potsdam Saratoga crowd, I just want to say how sorry we are to hear about RJ. Seeing the both of you and your friends at the track was something we looked forward to every year. We will always remember the laughs and the joy in his face when he hit a $2 exacta! He will truly be missed by us. Our thoughts are with you, Chynna, and all your family and friends.

Kirstin and Darren Drabek

December 30, 2019

We are heartbroken to hear about Randy's death. He had a knack for remembering all of our birthdays and for being a friendly voice in the neighborhood. We are so sorry for your loss, Cheryl and Chynna. Darren and Kirstin Drabek

DEBORA BERGER

December 30, 2019

My thoughts and prayers go to Randy's family. As a substitute teacher, I knew Randy as always happy, always involved with his students. To run into him in the hall usually ended with laughter...What a swell guy...he will be genuinely missed.

Sue Bobbett

December 30, 2019

Cheryl and Chynna, I am so saddened and shocked to hear that Randy has passed. What a great person and teacher he was. He will be terribly missed by everyone who knew him. My heart and thoughts are with you. I can't believe it.

Holly Louis

December 30, 2019

My thoughts are with the Johnson family. Randy was kind, thoughtful & funny. He always would say hello & ask about my family. He had a knack for memorizing birthdays & I was honored to be called the next Randy Johnson of SSHS for memorizing birthdays after his retirement! His students were fond of his energy & passion for teaching. He will be missed so much at SSCSD picnics & end of the year gatherings. May fun memories of Randy help those who loved him during the difficult days ahead.

Barbara Brower

December 30, 2019

Cheryl. I remember great times with randy during the "softball years" when he and don and a slew of others played for jamels /tin and lint. My sympathies to you and your family

Louise Goldstein

December 30, 2019

Cheryl, Terribly shocking and sad news and we send all our sympathy. Randy was such a force of nature that was such a bundle of joy. The Victoria Pool will not be the same.
Louise Goldstein & Andrew Jennings

Tom & Betsey Porter

December 30, 2019

Randy was always jovial as he passed our home on his many walks towards Broadway. We will miss those many happy encounters. Our sympathy to Cheryl and Chynna. Tom & Betsey Porter

Leo Titus Jr

December 30, 2019

Coach Johnson was my track coach in the mid to late 80s. He was one of my favorite coaches and a very positive influence on my life. Ive thought of him often over the years and Im thankful that I had a chance to know him. Im so sorry to hear about his passing.

Kathy Becker

December 30, 2019

Cheryl,
I am so deeply saddened about Randy's passing. He was a wonderful man and loved by many. Deepest sympathies to you, Chynna and Randy's family

John J McAllister

December 30, 2019

My favorite teacher and coach. Such an inspiring man.

Karen Elem

December 30, 2019

It is with great sadness that I send my condolences to the Johnson family. Randy was my colleague for many years at Saratoga Springs Junior and Senior High School. I will forever remember his friendly smile and sunny outlook. His zest for life was infectious. He always spoke so lovingly of his family. I wish you all peace in your hearts as you face your great loss.

Elizabeth Igler

December 30, 2019

Mr. Johmson was neither my teacher or coach but still left an impression of adoration of his students and fun personality when he put a picture of himself in the class of 1992s pictures our sophomore, junior, and senior years yearbooks. He was a great guy. I am sorry to hear of hos passing. My prayers to you all. Losing a loved one is so hard.

Jeremy Briell

December 30, 2019

Some of my greatest memories of HS track always include Coach J. He was always at the starting line for a last word of encouragement and the first at the finish line to celebrate a great race or to pick you up if it wasnt so great. Either way you always felt he was proud of you. His enthusiasm for life transcended through everything he did,whether it was sports,teaching, or just being a friend. I can still see him bouncing around the infield with a big smile on his face.
The world just lost a good one. Rest easy Coach J
Jeremy Briell

Mike Zappala

December 30, 2019

Cheryl and Chynna thank you for making our Randy the happiest man alive as he would say..nobody enjoyed life more or expressed it as often..love to you both as you move forward..Cheryl you will always be my sister

Kim Moore

December 30, 2019

Cheryl, Chynna.. So sorry to hear about Randy, my entire family send our condolences! Plz let us kno when the services are so that we may honor him and say goodbye.

Clorissa B.

December 30, 2019

Mr. Johnson was such a wonderful and supportive teacher! Condolences to you and your family

Lindsey Roeske

December 30, 2019

Mr. J, you were one of the best teachers. Your positivity was infectious (pun totally intended). I hope many more students got to enjoy your funny stories and magnetic energy.

Dave Patterson

December 30, 2019

I am stunned and deeply saddened to hear this news.Randy was always there for his students, his athletes, his friends and family. That big laugh and welcoming smile always cheered me if I was having a down day. He gave so much of himself to everyone else. He and I taught in adjoining classrooms for years and he kept that end of the building laughing and joyful. Cheryl and Chynna please know that all of us know how much he loved you and how proud he was to be a father and husband and brother, son and uncle. Rest in peace my friend.

Jeff and Brenda Vredenburg

December 30, 2019

...sending our love, prayers, and deepest sympathy.

Jeff and Brenda Vredenburg

December 30, 2019

...sending our love, prayers, and deepest sympathy.

Nina Ketcham

December 30, 2019

I am so very saddened to hear of Mr/Coach Johnsons passing. Just seeing his ear to ear smile would make my day. He was the most patient, kind and supportive teacher I ever remember having!! My thoughts and condolences go out to you- his family and to all who were honored enough to have known him.

Damian Fantauzzi

December 30, 2019

I coached track and field with Randy, he was such a ball of energy, the kids (boys' track) responded to him in such a positive manner, they loved him. He made sure that every one of those guys knew they were important. My condolences to Cheryl and Chynna, (Chynna, when you were born your Dad was besides himself, his pride about his daughter was second to none!) Randy will be missed by his many friends, Rest in Peace Buddy, I have nothing but fond memories coaching with you, love ya!

Diane Loviza

December 30, 2019

Cheryl and Chynna, please know how sorry we were to hear about Randy. May a lifetime of memories help to carry you through this most difficult time. You are in our thoughts and hearts. Sending love and prayers. Diane & Bob

Dan and Shawna Gately

December 30, 2019

Dear Cheryl and Chynna, Words cannot convey how shocked and sorry we are to hear about Randy's passing. He had a larger than life personality that will be sorely missed in this world. Those fortunate enough to know him could always count on him to brighten their day. He certainly left a positive impact at SSHS on both his colleagues and students. Rest assured, his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all those he touched with his friendship.

Melissa Milat

December 30, 2019

Mr. Johnson was such a phenomenal science teacher! He was always supportive, energetic and fun! Loved attending his class!

Lee Conklin

December 30, 2019

What a great guy. We had a lot of fun teaching together. Randy always had a smile and a laugh. Great with the students.

Ronne Israel

December 30, 2019

Cheryl, Chynna and Randys family,
Words cannot begin to adequately express the deep sorrow and loss that I feel upon hearing of Randys passing. My memories go way, way back to when I was fortunate enough to have Randy come over from the high school after classes to do science experiments (including dissecting a pig ) with my first grade class. Randy maintained that kids loved science and it was only through years of having to learn science through a text book, rather than hands on, that took the joy away.
I remember when he began teaching regents level science and my daughter was fortunate enough to have him as a teacher for biology. He became, forever, one of her most favorite teachers.
Every time you saw Randy, whether at a social event, or power walking around town with Cheryl, he was always so upbeat and enjoying his life.
Randy was a most special person and he will be greatly missed.

Carol Waldron

December 30, 2019

Cheryl and Chynna, so sorry to hear about Randy passing. Lots of great memories

December 30, 2019

To Randall's Family and Friends,
Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
The Staff at Burke Funeral Home

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