Gene V. Randza

Gene “Geno” Victor Randza quietly passed away on September 27th at his home in Mesa, Arizona. He was born in Wampum, PA on July 7, 1941, the son of Joseph Randza and Camilla (Armen) Randza. He was preceded in death by his wife Beverly (VanKirk) Randza whom he had known since childhood and married to for 47 years; additionally, by his brothers Frank and Ed Randza, and his niece Dee Dee. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Harris, step-son Steve VanKirk, Grandchildren: Jess VanKirk, John (J.T.) Harris, Michael VanKirk, Nicholas Whelen, Patrick Whelen & Chloe Whelen, sister Tillie, brother Joe, sisters in- law, Harriet, Jean and Ruth Randza and cousin Richard DiTanna. He is considered by most as the “favorite uncle” and especially loved by Mark, Annette, Frankie, Dee, and Anita.

Though a very modest man, Geno had the right to be proud of many of life’s blessings and accomplishments. As a young man he was honored to have served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1963 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Throughout his life he took pride in his Italian heritage and acquired his love for cooking from his mother. This passion for the culinary arts led him to become an accomplished chef, baker, ice sculptor and owner of several businesses. He was well sought after as a restaurant consultant, teacher and caterer. His deepest love was for that of his family – always reminding his daughter, grandchildren, nephews and nieces of the importance of being there for each other and treating people with understanding & kindness. He along with Beverly celebrated nearly 30 years of sobriety which he attributed to divine intervention and the support of “human angels” they encountered through their twelve steps of “The Big Book”. Later in life, prior to his 1st retirement, he began the pursuit of his lifelong goal toward a degree in higher education. In a single decade his quest for knowledge helped him achieve three: an Associate’s, Bachelor’s and ultimately a Master’s degree at the age of 71. In the midst of these amazing accomplishments, he delighted in babysitting his little granddaughter Chloe full time, and then pursued a second career as an educator and teaching assistant in a special needs class for years to follow. He made a tremendous impact on the lives of his students and co-workers, demonstrating once again his unique amazing qualities.

Of special note, Geno left behind his first true love, Janet Armstrong Kocher of whom he just recently reunited with after 50 years. They shared that unique once in a lifetime, fairytale love most only dream about. Her adoration provided him peace, comfort and happiness in his last months.

Extended surviving family includes many generations of the Armen-Randza and VanKirk families.

A public Memorial Service celebrating the life of Gene Victor Randza, 73, a resident of Mesa will be held at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care at 400 S. Power Rd., Mesa, AZ 85206 on Sunday, October 5th at 2:00 pm. An open house is to follow at his daughter’s residence at 3860 E. Caballero Circle, Mesa, AZ 85205.

Please join us for Military Honors and placement at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024, 9:30 AM, Monday, October 6, 2014.