Thomas “Tom” Rando

Thomas Nicholas Rando, 79, of Endicott, NY died at Mercy House on January 29, 2023 after a three- year battle with advanced lung cancer. Tom was predeceased by his parents: Victoria Picciano and Anthony DiFulvio; step father: Joseph Rando; brother: Michael Rando; and infant granddaughter: Christiane Paloma Rando. A few years after his father’s untimely death at age 35, his mother married Joseph Rando who adopted Tom and his younger brother, Michael. In 1953, their surname was legally changed to Rando. Tom is survived by his wife, Betty; four sons, their wives and families: Mark & Maria (Nicholas, Mark Jr, Alexander, Kaitlin, Luciano, Matthew); David & Lisa (Brittany, Steven, son-in-law Steven Patten, infant great-grandson, Jack James); Christopher & Heather (Eva, Daniel, Nina); Matt & Darlene (Leia Bradley, Sophia, John-Paul); his brothers: Richard (Donna) Rando; Gary (Bonnie) Rando; a very special uncle, Thomas DiFulvio; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and life-long friends. Tom grew up on the Northside of Endicott. As a teenager, he worked at Tedeski’s Market on Odell Avenue, always giving a portion of his earnings to his mother. After graduating UEHS in1961, he was employed by the Village of Endicott Street Department. In 1966 he was hired by IBM, where he worked for over 30 years, eventually becoming a member of the Quarter Century Club. After retirement, a gardening course at BOCES and advice from his father-in-law enabled him to become quite the unexpected backyard gardener! It gave him much pride to share his produce with family and friends. Tom was happiest spending time outdoors, and he found serenity maintaining the grounds at En-Joie Golf Course and The Links at Hiawatha Landing. He was a Meals on Wheels volunteer and was eventually convinced to participate in one of their television commercials. He supported Binghamton University basketball, even having a cardboard cutout of himself in the bleachers when Covid-19 prohibited in-person attendance. Although often frustrated by them, he was a life-long NY Yankees and NY Giants fan. He was a life-time member of the BPOE Elks Club, and a former usher at St. Ambrose Church. No day was complete until the crossword puzzle was finished. And, as the neighbors will attest, Tom was a self-proclaimed neighborhood watchdog! 1964 he married a Seton graduate, Betty Eck, confirming the theory that opposites attract! Their marriage was blessed with four wonderful sons who have always made them proud. Over the years Tom supported them in Little League, Teener League, and Legion Baseball. He was also a volunteer coach and manager in the Endicott Youth Baseball League for many years. Tom and Betty were fortunate to participate in group trips to Hawaii, and to several countries in Europe. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on April 4, 2022. Tom told everyone that Betty was his “rock” during their marriage and especially as his caregiver these past three years. Gratitude is extended to the caring staffs at Broome Oncology and Mercy House, and also to Dr. Jagraj Rai who took excellent care of Tom for many years. Cards and prayers received during the course of his illness were also greatly appreciated.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ambrose Church, 203 Washington Avenue, Endicott, on Friday, February 3, at 11:00am. Visitation will take place from 10-11:00am. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Meals on Wheels of Western Broome or to Mercy House of the Southern Tier