Randy Ziraldo, mentor, shorts wearer, and charmer extraordinaire went peacefully to join his father in eternal bowling and flooring bliss on February 12, 2016 after nearly 5 months annoying nurses in the hospital awaiting a heart transplant. Randy spent his life overcooking eggs, insisting on ice in every beverage and making inappropriate comments to make slightly awkward situations fully uncomfortable.
He was born to cause trouble in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1951 and began his lifelong passion of charming the ladies at St. Philips Catholic High School whence he graduated in 1969. While in high school Randy played baseball, basketball and football and chose muscle cars, dates and trouble over studying. He played offensive lineman at Northwood University where he garnered his first bachelor’s degree and went on to receive a second bachelor’s from Michigan State University while playing for the semi-professional Lansing Capitals.
After nearly being chosen to join the NFL as a player for the Washington Redskins, Randy turned down the offer of a career in the Canadian Football League to begin a life as a public school teacher and coach in 1977 at Battle Creek Central High School. Years later, after coaching every sport imaginable in Michigan, Indiana and California, he got his big break as an assistant coach at the illustrious University of California, Berkeley. At Berkeley Randy developed his mentorship skills, coaching style and love of Mexican food. He coached National Champions and Olympians, all while maintaining a permanent crew sock tan line. He is known among his throwers and mentees to have been a tough-on-the-outside softie who would do anything for his friends, even if they incited him to remove his hat, throw it to the ground and smash his brand new glasses. He changed the lives of many and became a second father to countless high schoolers and college athletes.
To his sons he is the man who was always late but “always waiting on you guys.” He was the man who brought 30 pounds of food to camp for three days but forgot the tent poles. He was the most loving father possible who would coach you no matter how badly you wanted him to stop. He was the dad who made you steer the truck so he could eat his burrito while driving, and who got a dent in his skull from hitting the car door frame one too many times. If Randy fell asleep, which he could and did literally everywhere, he couldn’t be woken up without a shake and a yell. If there was a stray animal within 2 miles, he would find it and keep it or pawn it off on an unsuspecting family member. If a truck didn’t have more than 200,000 miles, it was “brand new.”
Randy Ziraldo never met a stranger and in his final years began every discussion with a new acquaintance with the question “do you go to church?” His faith carried him through many difficult times. His last months were spent in a hospital from which he continued to yell at his throwers for being stupid, force jolly ranchers on every passer-by, insist upon his qualifications as a top-quality marriage counselor and ask with a sly grin: “…is chocolate healthy?”
Randy is survived by a robust, crazy family including his mother Yvette Ziraldo, many siblings and cousins, and his two sons Vincent and Arturo.
In lieu of flowers, which Randy (aka Jack Benny) would have found “girly,” gifts of support to his sons will be accepted, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f8pc6dwk
A service to celebrate “Ziraldo”, “Z” and “Coach” will be held Tuesday, February 16th at Indiana Funeral Care and Crematory at 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250. Public visitation will take place at 1pm and the celebration service will begin at 2pm. Please come armed with your best Randy story to write for the family’s enjoyment.
Laura Mack says
I just wanted to take a moment to send my sympathy to the Ziraldo/Zavites families, I will always remember these kids I grew up with we had such great fun playing all around the neighborhood riding the bikes and Randy was so caring of his little sister Kathy just like my brother Bobby .Randy was such a standup guy truly one of the good guys
Paul A.M Rainville says
My thoughts and prayers and my condolences to his mother aunt Yvette and his brotherRickyand sisters Cathy and Yvette.
Allison Shuttz says
Randy was one of the most memorable people I have known. I had the pleasure to care for him, argue with him and banter with him on a daily basis while he was in the hospital. I cannot tell the number of times I had to tell him “no” and he would find ways to make me say “yes.” I enjoyed his stories and looked forward to spending time with him.
He was an inspiration to me. I appreciate the life lessons he taught me. I will strive to make it easier for patients like Randy moving forward. To find a creative way to say more “yeses” and hear Randy all along the way saying “I told you so!”
My heart is saddened by this loss. My prayers (in a fully non-political correct style as Randy would have liked them to be!) will be with your family. May you find comfort in the memories you will share.
John Dowdle says
So sorry to hear about Randy,
May Randy rest in peace. May God bless his family. May all who knew him keep him in their memories and share their appropriate great stories on line for family and friends.
A great personality, a lot of fun, a great competitor, a concerned friend and mentor to many … In loving memory, John Dowdle.
Here is some more info:
Randy Ziraldo, 65, Greenfield, IN passed away February 12, 2016.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at Indiana Funeral Care and Crematory 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250. If you want to go directly to their web site: http://indiana.cwgen.com/obituary/randy-ziraldo
Bud Llewellyn says
My deepest condolances
Marty Szepanski says
Deepest sympathy to Randys family. Although we have not been ln direct contact for many years I always considered Randy a very special friend as we were roommates and teammates at Northwood. I have no doubt Randy is directing and coaching in a place we all hope to get to. Marty Szepanski
Elizabeth Slawson says
Randy was my good friend for thirty years. After reconnecting, he insisted I go back to church. He always had suggestions for me to live a good Christian life. I will miss his laugh, humor, and wit.
Elizabeth Slawson
Theresa garland Elwell says
My prayers for Randy’s sons and all the family for peace and comfort and knowledge that he is coaching every one in heaven now. He brought great times to all of us in the class of 69(which was sooooo fine)
Bernadette Stocking says
Dear Ziraldo Family and Friends, Randy’s passing is a good thing for God because Randy was, and now is, his faithful servant. But his passing is a sad thing for all of us. A light, a ray of sunshine has faded into night.I have watched him on many occasions pour over his well worn Bible as he studied
and prayed then reached out to others to share his beliefs. Always a teacher. It was a privilege to know Randy as a 21-year-old and an adult. His robust laugh was usually at himself but he could also poke fun at those of us who took ourselves too seriously. Randy reserved his best for the students he coached, reveling in their successes, contemplating their personal challenges so that he could coach them best and cajoling them into good humor. His greatest loves were Vincent and AJ. He wanted only to be present with them, and to share with them his life experiences, lessons learned and faith so that they can be good men. He was confident in these past couple of years that he has succeeded. Randy had a way of making one feel safe, challenging you to do your best, celebrate your successes and think practically, although he wasn’t always practical himself. At 21 he was already a coach. He made me buy Onitsuka Tiger tennies and play tennis till I couldn’t walk, for weeks on end. But he could be self-centered too. When I brought cookies to the UIndy team at one meet, he hid them so that the rest were for just him. I had the honor of putting his Christmas decorations away after Christmas 2014, all 14 boxes. Every ornament had a special meaning,a story, and every decoration was tender to him. Just like the memories he shared about his boys, Kathy and Yvette, Rick and Mom Yvette and Randy Sr and his nieces and their families. Family and coaching kept Randy going through so many challenges. He felt blessed – a family he adored, close friends in Scott and Tatiana, to be a coach and to have God’s word to share. His memory will continue to enrich all our lives.
Ed Torres says
Coach Z was my son’s high school Track Coach. Randy was tough, told the truth, and demanded you give your all. Underneath all of that, was a kind, fun, honest, and heartfelt man. He truly loved all of his kids that he interacted with. Because of Randy he was the “sole” reason my son had an opportunity to go to CAL Berkeley. I owe this man so much, for teaching my son to reach greater heights, that even I couldn’t see in my son. My son and I were so blessed to have this great man in our lives, and I pray for him, may God hold this gentle man in his arms for all eternity. RIP my friend. I pray for your family and especially your son Vincent.
Sonyia Gill says
My condolences to the family. Mr. Z was my PE teacher for 7th and 8th grade and I’m now 34! He was such a good person. He came off as a tough guy but underneath he was super sweet. He will truly be missed. I’m sure even in heaven he is cracking jokes!!! RIP Mr. Z.
Bill Trewhella says
I have great memories with Randy…St Phil days. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Bill Trewhella
Michael Carr says
To Vince:
I loved your dad and, thanks to how much he cared about Josh, Josh is now throwing in college. We are forever greatful. Please continue Randy’s legacy of love.
Mr. Carr
Tom Wood says
Randy, the world will not be as much fun without you around here. Even though it has been about 30 years since we have seen each other, the picture of you and especially this very, very fitting obituary reminded me of you and your family and the history we have. We all look forward to meeting again.
Nicole Crisp says
I am so happy to say I had the awesome privelage of knowing Randy! I always tried to find the time or excuse to come visit him in his room and, would always find myself staying late after work to have a few laughs with him, his family and friends. I wish I would have known him sooner. Though I did not know him outside of his stay on our unit it was very evident that he had touched the lives of so many individuals. He always had a visitor. His passion for coaching and mentorship was impressive as the nurses, doctors and several other staff would remark on how “cool” it was that he continued to coach during his stay.I always got a kick out his sense of humor! As the above writer mentioned he always had a great remark to make an already awkward situation even more strange and uncomfortable which actually made him hard not to love.
I want family to know it was an honor to care for him and share in many converstions with him . Even before his long stay with us he was admitted to our unit for one or two days. I took care him for the first time then and he was so amazing to give me a study Bible he had brought with him. (Even though I had only just met him). He truly did not know stranger and did want everyone to know the Lord. He would have been memorable to me if we would have only shared these moments together. Thank you for letting me be apart of his life. I cherish his gift and know that he has truly touched my heart and has had influence over care I give to my future patients. You are all in my prayers and I know God will surround you with love. I hope you are able to recall and enjoy memories shared and know he has influenced and been loved by so many.
Nicole Crisp says
I am so happy to say I had the awesome privelage of knowing Randy! I always found a reason or excuse to visit him in his room. I would find myself staying over many nights to enjoy a laugh with him, his family and friends. I wish I would have known him sooner. Though I did not know him outside of his stay with us on our unit it was very evident he had touched the lives of so many individuals. He always had a visitor. His true passion for coaching and mentorship was obvious and impressive as many of the nurses, doctors and several staff would remark at how “cool” it was that he continued to coach during his stay.I enjoyed his great sense of humor! As the above writer mentioned Randy always had a remark that would make an already awkward moment even more strange and uncomfortable making him even harder not to love. It was an honor to care for him, laugh with him and share many conversations. He was a truly unique person.
I want family to know how thankful I was to have the opportunity to know him. He came to stay with us for a short period of time on our unit prior to his longer stay. It was my first time caring for him. It was easy to know him even just then and he was amazing enough to give me a study Bible he had brought with him during his stay. (Even though we had just met). He truly did not know a stranger and really did want everyone to know The Lord. He would have been memorable to me if we would have only had these moments together. I cherish his “gift”(s) he has truly touched my heart and influenced the care I bring to my future patients. I want to thank you for letting me know him. You are in my prayers every day and I know God will surround you with love. I hope that you can recall many memories together and also know that he had a great influence over many.
John Yavasile says
My wife and I were shocked and saddened to hear about Randy passing away. We did not hear until Feb 16. I worked with Randy at Redwood and really admired and respected him for his attitude and beliefs. He was my friend. I wish I would have known he was ill and I would have let him know that his life mattered to me. My condolences to his family. He will always be remembered.
Celeste Yezic Etheridge says
God Speed my fellow classmate. May you rest in peace.
Michael Warren says
My deepest sympathy. Randy was a wonderful person. We had many great times together. My prayers go out to all his family.
Debra Farwell says
So sorry to hear this news. I had the pleasure of knowing Randy as a Pac 10 coach…. Always happy and cracking jokes. He made me laugh and always had a big story to tell. May he rest in peace in the big throwing sector in the sky. God Bless My Friend.
Liz Jeanes says
Although Randy and I never met in person I felt like we were friends forever. He was one of the most charismatic people I have ever met. I am saddened about Randy not getting his new heart in time, but I know Randy trusted God completely and the plan He had for Randy’s life. I will truly miss him!
GENE Scullion says
My Deepest sympathy to the family of Randy’s. Great memories at St. Phil. Randy was a Great classmate and a leader of the class of 69.