Chip was born on January 18, 1941 to Marty J. Randall and Elizabeth “Buzzy” Mahoney Randall in Swampscott, MA, which by town lore makes him ineligible to be called a true “Header”. But to know “Chippy”; no one loved Marblehead more than he did.
He graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business. He undertook a myriad of successful entrepreneurial ventures, including; lobster fisherman, banana merchant, general contractor and landlord. His detailed tile work is on display in many homes across Marblehead.
One thing is for sure, Chip took fashion cues from no one. His everyday look was all his: LL Bean fleece button down or “Humble” t-shirt (weather dependent), LL Bean blue jeans, brown boat shoes and his signature bucket hat.
He would hang out at the Landing with his cronies, coffee in hand, offering strong opinions and memorable Chip-isms. If you were up before 6am, he could be found at the Driftwood every morning for his usual, complaining about the yuppies and working on his crossword puzzle (just ask Jan). Never drive too fast down Orne St. past Moorchewary Ln. where cars would pull up and he would greet them with, “Down for the summah or just passin’ through?”
Chip was a passionate Republican, who never shied away from a heated debate – on anything. A practical joker, you never knew what might show up mysteriously on your lawn, and always check your car bumper, lest some errant sticker show up in the night.
He once created a life-sized whale topiary out of his hedgerow and harpooned “Moby Dick” for Halloween.
He was a great storyteller and had many hilarious tales to share from the Great Race to firing on the Russians at sea. No need to worry if you missed one, he never told them just once. Some of his favorite memories involved his countless wins as a youth soccer coach. He instilled more than soccer skills into the boys on his teams. The Frigates are still talked about today and many young men still have their team’s signature t-shirt hanging in their closet as he does. If you lost (not often), don’t worry “just Frigates”.
He leaves a legacy of creating community around Little Harbor. Orne Street’s fix-it man, he didn’t need Google to figure out how to fix things, and most likely that would have just confused him. He helped newcomers navigate the town, both literally and figuratively. He strongly supported conserving the town’s character, and would stand toe to toe with anyone who sought to disrupt it. He enjoyed helping host Full Moon parties on Gas House beach for local residents.
Chip was known both for working hard and playing hard. Most of all, he was a dedicated, very proud father and Grandfather that could always be counted on. He could be equal parts lovable and annoying, enjoyable and irritating. He was highly respected and one of the true characters of Marblehead.
He will be missed by many; old town won’t be quite the same without him.
He is survived by his sons, Matthew and wife Kendra Baratz Randall, grandson, Caden Taylor and granddaughter, Collins Elizabeth of Charleston, SC; Christopher and wife Gareth Benshoff Randall, and granddaughter Charlie Elizabeth, just days old, of Marblehead; cousins Ann Grynkraut Fothergill and Francie Grynkraut, both of Marblehead.
Due to COVID, there will be no services at this time. The family will hold a memorial service in the future. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to the Trustees www.thetrustees.org. To share a memory or offer condolences to the family please visit eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18