Obituary of Joseph Anthony Randi, Jr.

Canton- Joseph Anthony Randi, Jr., 61, of County Route 21, Canton, died suddenly Thursday, May 7, 2015 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital after being stricken at home. The family will receive friends on Monday from 1-3 & 5-8 pm at Lawrence Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 21 Park Street, Canton. His Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 am at First Presbyterian Church of Canton with Rev. Michael P. Catanzaro officiating. Joe was born February 25, 1954 in Queens, a son of Joseph A. & Helen (Maybee) Randi of Canton. He was a 1972 graduate of Garden City High School in Garden City, NY. He later attended Paul Smith’s College until 1974 and furthered his education with degrees from the College of Environmental Science & Forestry and Syracuse University in 1976. On June 7, 1975, he married Cynthia K. Jenack at Crary Mills Church with Rev. Jack Wells as celebrant. They were married nearly 40 years. After graduating from College the couple moved to Wyoming for a time before returning to the North Country and starting J.A. Randi Construction. He also owned and operated Randi Rentals. In addition to his beloved wife, Cindy and his parents, Joseph& Helen, he is survived by his loving children; Joseph Anthony Randi, III and wife Laurel of Pittsburgh, PA and Jessica L. Murray and husband Andrew of Manhattan, NYC. He was the proud grandfather of Benjamin Joseph Randi and Collins Lucile Murray. He also leaves behind his siblings, Margaret (Jim) Pansch of Minneapolis, MN, Mary Detrick of Chicago, IL, Anthony (Ruth) Randi of Garden City, NY and Matthew (Linda) Randi of Canton. He was predeceased by his grandmother, Margaret Maybee. Joe was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Potsdam, a life member of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Assoc., active in the Canton Canoe Races, especially the Rushton Races, member of the Grasse River Heritage Foundation and he served on the board of North Country Freedom Homes Supportive Living. Joe was an avid outdoorsman and environmentalist. He enjoyed canoeing, antique boat restoration and wood working. But most of all he was a proud Grandpa! His grandchildren were his whole world. Memorial contributions are suggested to: Church and Community Program or GardenShare.