Richard A. Randolph

Richard (“Dick”) Randolph passed away on Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 after a brief period of decline at Medford Leas, in Medford, NJ. Dick grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He was born on October 12, 1930, to Maynard and Alma Randolph, and graduated from Parkland High School in 1948. He went on to Muhlenberg College, and then graduated from Millersville State College (now Millersville University), with a B.S. degree in Industrial Arts Education. Later, Dick completed his Masters degree in the same field, at Rutgers University in 1959. After his graduation from Millersville in 1952, Dick began his 2 year service in the United States Army at Camp Breckenridge. He married Edie Arnold in 1953, and following his discharge, the couple would settle briefly in Levittown, Pennsylvania, and then in Mt. Holly, NJ, where they would live until 2012. That year they moved to Medford Leas, and enjoyed their lives there very much. Dick taught Industrial Arts (primarily metal shop) at Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mt. Holly, from 1954 until his retirement in 1991. During his tenure at RV, he served as department chairman for 11 years and helped develop the Industrial Arts program from 3 to 11 course offerings. Alongside teaching, he served on the R.V.R.H.S. Faculty Negotiations committee for 25 years. Dick was also an active member of the RV Education Association, NJ Education Association, and National Education Association. He enjoyed worshiping at First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Holly where he was an active member for more than 50 years, serving as a deacon and trustee. In the time surrounding Covid, he always wanted to watch the worship service online, even on his last Sunday. Married to Edie for 65 years, they have 2 daughters: Susan Kershaw (wife of the late Ken Kershaw) of Mt. Holly, and Wendy Chilton (wife of David Chilton) of Orlando, Florida. He is also survived by his only sister, Janis Schell, of Reading, Pa. Dick loved and was so proud of his six grandchildren: Chris and Katie Kershaw and Andrew, Mark, Eric, and Elizabeth Chilton. He was also thrilled with the addition of three granddaughters-in-law, and two great-grandchildren (Zoey and Isaac Chilton). Dick considered Ocean City, New Jersey to be his “second home.” Having grown up spending his childhood summers there with his parents, he then purchased a beach house with Edie and enjoyed Ocean City summers with his children and grandchildren for many years. Throughout his life, Dick was also an avid model-railroader, spending many hours in the basement building on to his extensive layout, and entertaining the grandchildren. His fine skills with tools of all kinds were constantly put to use building or repairing things around the house, and for his family and friends. Since moving to Medford Leas, his greatest joy and passion was working every morning in the Resident’s Workshop, where he repaired furniture for residents, refurbished benches for around the campus, and made toys and various items for the Christmas Bazaar each year. He loved the camaraderie with the other “shop guys”, and socializing with his many friends. Everyone who knew Dick enjoyed his kind and friendly spirit and his great sense of humor. Calling hours will be held on Monday evening, April 24th from 6-8 pm at Perinchief Chapels, 438 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 25th, at 10:30 am at First Presbyterian Church, 125 Garden Street, Mount Holly, NJ. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dick’s memory to the Deacon’s fund of the First Presbyterian Church of Mount Holly at the address above.

Richard A. Randolph

October 12, 1930 - April 18, 2023