Obituary of Randolph A. Ferdinand
Randolph A. Ferdinand aka Randy, Stump, or The King, age 68, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Wynn Hospital in Utica.
He was born October 15, 1955, in Selma, Alabama to the late Philip and Carole (Nelcamp) Ferdinand. As a child of an Airforce officer, he lived all over the world in places like Taiwan, Canada, Colorado, Ohio, and finally planting his roots in Upstate New York. He spent part of his childhood in Kingston, Ontario on the water, so he learned to water ski barefoot and on his elbows. He was also a scuba diver and a lifeguard. As a young adult he spent his time hunting and building magnificent houses in Colorado. Colorado Springs is where he met his wife of 43 years, Gloria. They fell in love at first sight in May of 1981 and married just a few months later in August 1981. Randy’s lifelong career was as a master carpenter, but he was a man of many trades like plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and heavy machinery work.
His favorite hobbies were boating, fishing, golfing, horseshoes, hunting, shooting LONG distances, and most of all, bashing politicians with his best friend, Steve Bennett. Randy's biggest assets were his unique sense of humor and unfailing strength. He worked hard to provide his family with happiness and security. He was a dreamer and an achiever no matter the obstacle. His love was tremendous, and he would give anyone the shirt off his back.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria Potter Ferdinand; his three amazing children, Jeremy, Cristina, and Matthew Ferdinand; daughter-in-law Heidi Bessett Ferdinand, son-in-law D. Jesse Stockbridge, daughter-in-law Bre Szablewski; granddaughter, Ariana; siblings, Sandy and Steve Dellacroce, Janet Ferdinand, and Karl and Angie Ferdinand; sister-in-law, Candice Potter, sister-in-law, Dianne Potter Lewis, and her husband, Larry. He also had many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his angel in heaven and brother-in-law, Bill Potter.
Randy’s physical being will be missed significantly by his family, but his compassion and memory will live in their hearts forever.
Funeral services will be private.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.
