1945
2016
Randal Lewis Hale Jr., of Haddam, passed away Wednesday July 20th at Yale-New Haven Hospital after a brief illness.
Randy grew up in Essex where he lived a storybook life on the water. After graduating from Valley Regional High School Randy moved to Baltimore where he met and married Elizabeth Supik Hale, his wife and best friend for more than 50 years. Randy was a brilliant man who could do anything. He had many careers and hobbies. He was one of the youngest people to earn an Amateur Radio operators license. As a young man Randy worked as a ski patrol. Randy was an avid boater/sailor and small plane pilot. He served in the Army during the Vietnam Era. Randy had a long career in radiology that included all aspects of the field. His hobbies included magic and slight of hand. Randy loved music especially Irish music and Sea shanties. He had a nac for picking up most stringed instruments. Randy held a Master Mariners Ticket and worked for a local tour boat company. He recently joined the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company, as with all his interests, Randy jumped in with both feet. Randy owned Hale Propeller in Old Saybrook with his son Randy III.
Randal was a huge presence that will be truly missed by many. Randy is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth, his son Randal Lewis Hale III (Margaret), his daughter Celeste Hale Pettyjohn (Scott), grandchildren Jordan Sommer Pettyjohn, Skylar Elizabeth Hale, Randal Patrick Hale, Jason R. Pettyjohn (Tara), Melissa S. Pettyjohn, and great-grandsons Tanner and Chase Pettyjohn, Brother Robert Hale Sr. (Pauline), sister Cheryl Hale (Robert), scores of in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Randal L. Hale Sr., Doris Dimock Hale, and his sister Edith Grotta.
A Catholic service for family and close friends will be held at Swan Funeral Home in Old Saybrook, on Monday July 25th at 12:30p with calling hours beginning at 11am. A public service to include out of town family and friends will be held in mid September. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Randy's name to the Valley Shore Animal Welfare League in Westbrook, Old Saybrook Fire or Police K9, or Haddam Volunteer Fire Co.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 17, 2022
Joe Wonoski
Helene and I have just now learned of Randy's passing, Betsy. Randy was a great guy and the four of us had many nice times together. We're very sorry for your loss
September 17, 2016
Ed Kelly
September 17, 2016
Ed Kelly
I believe that in some small way a life is analogous to a river. It is not only its length that matters but its depth and breadth -- and the life it touches, nurtures and sustains. By any standard, Randal Hale, Jr's life was a great one and continues with those he touched.
August 17, 2016
Edgar Riozzi
I was deeply saddened to learn today of the passing of Randal Hale. I have enjoyed knowing Randal for several years in a business capacity and have always found him to be a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are for the entire Hale Family
August 15, 2016
Frank Sparks
My sincere condolences to your family. Randy was a truly interesting man who lived a very full life. Sincerely, Frank Sparks
August 3, 2016
Stew & Stacey Foster
Sending our deepest condolences to your family. So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
August 2, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hale family. Randal was a a true renaissance man, with whom I greatly enjoyed conversing. I appreciated his great intellect and wit. He will be sorely missed.
Steve Powers and all of the Powertech Propeller family.
August 2, 2016
Gary Linden
We are very sorry to hear of Randal's passing. I recently spoke to him on the phone and he never sounded like he was ill or that anything was bothering him. That shows his strength in many ways. He will be sadly missed by many.
Our deepest sympathy to the Hale family,
Linden Propeller Co., Inc.
Dubuque, Iowa
August 2, 2016
Mark Dickinson
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Our deepest condolences from all of us at Nautilus Marine Fabrication and Propeller.
Steve Brenton, Jim and Lisa Patten, Mark Dickinson, Dave Wade, Ernie Winters, Gerry Richardson, Ray Carignan, Joel Wescott, Paul Youngblood, Scott Doan, Joe Rickartz
August 1, 2016
judy
July 30, 2016
Vicki & JJ Stelter
Betsy,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Both you and Randy were so welcoming when we moved into the neighborhood a few months ago. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
July 28, 2016
bruce chappell
Gone From My Sight
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone."
Gone where?
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"
And that is dying...Henry Van Dyke
July 27, 2016
Richard and Margo Wells
Margo and I are shocked to learn of Randy's passing. Along with his lovely wife, Betsy, Randy has been the best possible neighbor for the past 32 years. Generous, kind hearted, helpful, are just a few adjectives that come to mind. We will miss him dearly.
Our most heartfelt condolences go out to Betsy, Randy III, Celeste and the rest of the extended Hale family.
In Sympathy,
Richard and Margo Wells
July 27, 2016
Rose and I are deeply sorry for your loss he will be missed by many We had many good years growing up boating scuba diving and many trips together.your in our thoughts and Prayers Love Rose and Don Perkins
July 26, 2016
Jim Strange
Sorry for your loss. I know you will miss him.
July 25, 2016
Tom Wicander
Randal will truly be missed. I am sorry for your loss.
July 25, 2016
Renee Marion
From stories Eric tells me and this tribute he sounds like a wonderful man who lived his life to the fullest. He will be missed, I hope you find comfort in your beautiful memories.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
The Marion Family
July 25, 2016
I enjoyed doing business with Randel as purchasing manager at The Essex Boat Works. I would come to the shop to pick-up orders and he would show me the various projects he was working on. My condolences to the family.
Alan "Big Al" Jortner
July 24, 2016
A "brilliant man" as indicated in the obituary is an apt description. It was my pleasure to have known Randal through the propeller business, and to have worked with him a number of years at trade shows, where his knowledge on all variety of subjects never failed to teach. Good bye, my friend, you fine Connecticut Yankee... Marty Ronis, Michigan
July 24, 2016
Cyndi Tentinger
Dear Betsy, Randy, Celeste and family,this is indeed a beautiful tribute to a great and generous man. He was a huge presence that will be missed by many. Know that I keep you all in my heart and mind during this saddest of times. I offer you my deepest sympathies and I will stay in touch
July 23, 2016
Judi Durham
To the Hale family,
So very sorry for your loss. Randy was my boss in Radiology at Middlesex Hospital many years ago. A kind and humorous man who always had a magic trick at the ready on stressful days.
July 22, 2016
Maureen (Reenie) Campbel;
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful man. Deepest condolences to Mrs. Hale, Celeste and Randy. So many memories flooding in from our days in Connecticut with our families visiting each other - and the magic tricks..... omg..... I'm so sorry. Many prayers going up for peace and comfort for your family, and I'm blessed to feel the many wonderful memories that Mr. Hale gave me. Wonderful man Wonderful family. God just received an extra special one.... and we thank God for sharing him with us.
July 22, 2016
Stephanie Cornett
He sounds like he was a wonderful man. I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you
July 22, 2016
Kathy Granfield
Our deepest sympathies to the Hale family from all of us at Veteran Angler Charters .... Randy has been incredibly helpful and supportive to our CT boat, offering help, advice, and encouragement. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers to all the family.
July 22, 2016
Jim and Margo Jordan
Great Man, Great Family, we are all glad we knew him and sad that he is gone. Sending Love and Support to all who will miss him every day.
July 22, 2016
Laura Jester
What a wonderful tribute....I've only known Celeste for a short time, but know how much she loves her family. ...many prayers to all in this tough time...hug each other and God bless
July 22, 2016
Debbie & Ron Evans
Aunt Betsy, Randy & Celeste; Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of Uncle Randy. We are so sorry that we've not been up there to visit so that Ron could meet you all. Unfortunately my health is so unstable that we don't travel too far from familiar places & doctors. My heart hurts for your loss, I can only imagine how you are feeling. Our prayers and love are with you.
July 22, 2016
Susan Gray
It's been a pleasure to work with your Dad over the years Randy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be greatly missed-
Susan - Michigan Wheel.
July 22, 2016
Donald Izzo
Deepest sympathy to the Hale Family.
W1IN de W1FYG
July 22, 2016
Shoreline Amateur Radio Club
Thoughts and Prayers to the Hale Family. May your memories, like ours always be close to your heart. We deeply appreciate Randy's volunteer service to the Amateur Radio community.
July 22, 2016
Jonathan James
I knew Randy from our school days, and had hoped to spend some time renewing our friendship. I'm so sad for those who knew him well. Good man, he will be sorely missed. My condolences.
Jonathan James
July 22, 2016
Pat Favolise
Betsy, caring thoughts are with you and your family. May your memories give you peace and comfort. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Pat and Ed Favolise
July 21, 2016
Freyda Rose
Most heartfelt condolence to all of the Hale family.
Freyda Rose and Alan Samet
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