P. Randall Knowles

P. Randall "Randy" Knowles, 79, died peacefully at home on August 21, 2026 from complications of diabetes. The son of Richard and Ermina Knowles, he was born in Pittsburgh, and then moved with his family to Bronxville, New York, then Wilmette, and finally to Kenilworth.

Randy graduated from New Trier High School, Elmhurst College, and received his J. D. from John Marshall Law School. After serving 3 years in the Navy, he became a Lake County Assistant State's Attorney. He went on to work for many years for two Lake County law firms. He also was a longtime Village Prosecutor for Kenilworth.

One of his great passions was music. He began playing the string bass in junior high, and played in many jazz groups, classical orchestras, and musical theater shows throughout his life. He met his wife, Debbie, playing together in a jazz combo at a country club.

Randy's other great passion was 2-way radios. He founded the North Shore Emergency Association (NSEA) in the 1960s. The volunteer members provide radio communications for events like the Evanston 4th of July Parade and fireworks, MS Bikeathons and Walkathons, and the Chicago Marathon. He was active with the FCC in Washington, DC, consulting with them over the years about laws and regulations that affected radio uses and infrastructure.

He was an active volunteer for both NSEA and the Evanston 4th of July Association, serving on their boards and holding various offices. Randy was also an election judge in Kenilworth and Evanston for decades, and was a familiar face to local voters for many years.

Randy is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Debbie, brother-in-law David (Cathy), dear cousins Jim, Nancy, Matty, and Wes, godsons Richard and Benjamin Gale, and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to give grateful thanks to his devoted caregivers Jennifer, Denise J., Diana, Denise S., and Christian. He will also be greatly missed by his beloved cats, Ray and Ella.

Burial was private. A Celebration of Life will be held in the future to honor Randy's memory.