Randell Milton 'Randy' Perrine

YORK Randell Milton Randy Perrine passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at his home in York, Pennsylvania of a sudden heart attack while mowing the lawn. Randy was born June 28, 1947 in Franklin, PA and was the only child of George Milton and Dorothy Jean Blair Perrine. He grew up in Franklin and Rocky Grove and attended Rocky Grove High School. In 1965 he joined the U.S. Navy and served 14 years including four tours of duty in Vietnam. While serving on the USS Edson he saw heavy action and was wounded and cited for bravery under fire. After the war Randy became a Navy cook and began a long career in food services and eventually received his B.S. Degree in food service management from Penn State. He was an excellent cook and worked in many areas of food service. He was especially proud of his work as director of food services for the school system in King George County, Virginia and as manager of the Fairfax Country Club in Fairfax, VA. Eventually Randy combined his love of cooking with his love of the sea and joined the U.S. Merchant Marines serving for several years in the military sealift command sailing deep seas all around the world. Later he worked the inland waterways, most recently for Allied Transportation Company of Norfolk, VA. He was the ships cook as well as working on the deck. He was a member of the Seafarers International Union. On March 18, 2010 he married Gloria Ann Smith who is a native of Oil City. He and Gloria were childhood friends and he often showed their prom pictures to friends. Upon their marriage he moved to York, PA. Randy had a lifelong interest in muscle cars and while living in Maryland often drag raced at several race tracks in the area earning the nickname Rapid Randy. He also enjoyed weight lifting and while in the Navy participated in boxing retiring undefeated after 20 bouts. Randy also enjoyed cooking for family and friends and had a keen interest in history. He had traveled to many parts of the world while in the Navy and Merchant Marines and often took the time to visit historical places. Randy had a unique ability to examine his life and make changes for the better. He was especially proud of his many years of sobriety. Randy was preceded in death by his grandparents, Budd and Zola Phipps Perrine and Clarence and Mabel Beers Blair all of Franklin. He is survived by his wife Gloria; two sons, Richard M. Perrine of Johnstown and Kacey M. Perrine of Waldorf, MD; and a stepdaughter Rosabelle Llacer, a student at the University of San Francisco. He also has numerous cousins in Western PA who survive. Randy also had developed warm relationships with his wife Glorias nieces and nephews, Philip, David, and Dewayne Smith and Cherie Hogue, Jackie Bucholz, and Julie Haberman. He also had developed friendships with Glorias stepchildren, James, William and Cynthia Robinson, Wendy Adewusi, and Kathy Emmel. He is also survived by his cats Isaac Fuzz and Mandu which he rescued from the animal shelter and who gave his much pleasure. Randy was a warm and loving husband and welcomed people into his home with a broad smile, humor, and a good meal. He will long be remembered and loved. At Randys wish, his body will be cremated and his ashes scattered in the ocean he loved. A small memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, April 23, 2011 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2100 Hollywood Drive, York, PA with Full Military Rites provided by York County Veterans Honor Guard. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York is in charge of arrangements. While living in Rocky Grove as a teenager, Randy attended the Fox Street Church of God and often remarked that the late Rev. Frank Towers was a guiding figure in his life. He would be pleased that any memorial donations be directed to Fox Street Church of God, 229 Fox St., Franklin, PA 16323-2805.