Samuel Charles Randazzo

Samuel Charles Randazzo, 74, of Columbus, Ohio left his earthly human existence on April 9, 2024. It was the day after the Great North American Eclipse. Sam, or Chuck, as he was called by those who knew him longest, was born in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio on July 19, 1949. He is survived by his ”best honey” and wife of 40 years, Carol Farmer; children Sarah Dexter, Catie and Sam; two sisters and a brother, nephews and nieces, and grand nieces and nephews, numerous close and lifelong friends and his best furry friend “Baci”. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Ambrose + Eve Boley Randazzo.

Born to the son of Italian Immigrants, Sam attended Henry Newberry Elementary then graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1967. He was a proud Tiger till the end.

A blue collar kid with humble beginnings Sam often worked two jobs to pay his way through college. He was an Iron Worker, busboy, truck driver, truck loader and garage man. He attended the University of Akron where he was the Head Basketball Manager of the Akron Zips, graduating in 1971 with a degree in Business; and Capital Law School in 1975. For his last two years at Captial, he was also a staff member of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Upon passing the bar, he was asked to join the legal section. Shortly therafter being appointed to the position of Assistant Attorney General before going into private practice for the next 41 years. He had a lifelong love for his industry; was a super geek about “how to keep the lights on” and became recognized as one of the country’s brightest minds in Utility Law. He was greatly respected for his expertise and integrity. It was the honor of a lifetime to be appointed PUCO Chairman in the state he was born, raised a family, played and rooted for sports teams and had called home for almost 70 years.

Sam would want you to know, he was very, very funny. If you were lucky enough to know him, please take this moment to smile at a time or two he made you laugh. Then pass the story on. He would like that. He was a lover of wheels. Whether it was two, four, or even sometimes three. He loved long bike rides and hikes, specifically in Summit County where in 2023 he received a walking stick for completing 8 trails in the Fall Hiking Spree. He was an enthusiastic boater and fantastic captain in both the Gulf waters of Florida and at Indian Lake. He made the best pasta sauce of all time. He loved music and had a whistle his children could hear and run to in a crowd of thousands. He celebrated the Arts, made up silly songs and in the early 90s was caught more than once in Schiller park trimming the grass because “someone had to do it”.

A devoted husband, father and mentor to countless others, Sam was generous and cared for all kinds of people deeply. He was brilliant. And that brilliance will live on through the many, many lives he touched. Please take that and move forward with these words: Onward!

A private scattering of ashes will be held at a later time. The family would like to bless students who don’t have the ability to pursue a higher education. Donations can be made to 501c3 charity Cuyahoga Falls School Foundation Scholarship Fund 431 Stow Avenue, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 or online at https://www.cfsfaa.org/make-a-donation (click special note with his name at the bottom of the page)