GLOUCESTER: Capt. John W. “Johnny Boy” Randazza, 81, died unexpectedly Wednesday, April 24, at the Bethesda West Hospital in Boynton Beach, Florida. He was the husband of Rosalie (Mineo) Randazza.
Born in Gloucester on October 20, 1931, he was the son of the late Salvatore “Tootsie” and Anna Randazza. Johnny, a veteran fisherman, started his profession at the early age of 13. He fished aboard several boats, such as the f/v Antonina, Blue Waters, Olympia and Nancy F as a crew member & engineer and skippered the Mia Madre. John was the captain and owner of the fishing vessel Debbie Rose and worked several years managing his own crew before his retirement in 1988. He never outgrew his love for fishing. He could often be found on the backshore with reel in hand.
He served in the United States Army from October 1952 to October 1954. He was a Private First Class during the Korean War, where he worked for the Chaplain. He was stationed in Aberdeen, Maryland for 8 months and overseas in France for 14 months. John was also a member of the Capt. Lester S. Wass Post #3, American Legion, AMVETS and Gloucester Lodge of Elks No. 892.
An incredible cook, John was well known to his family, friends and neighbors for his delicious recipes, genuine love for food and generosity to share his cooking creations with others. He was a handy man who enjoyed working on home projects and tending his garden. He loved playing cards, pets and spending time with his grandchildren.
He will be forever treasured for giving his family life long traditions and values that they will continue to share for many generations. They will remain not only in their hearts but in the hearts of their children.
In addition to his loving wife of 61 unforgettable years of marriage, he is also survived by their five children; John Randazza and his wife of Alabama, Ann-Marie Malloch, Annette Randazza both of Gloucester, Anthony and his wife Beverly Randazza of Wakefield and Deborah and her husband Tony Frontiero of Florida; eight grandchildren, Shawn, Noelle, Jason, Jessica, Brianna, Julianna, Nicholas and Gianna; his sister, Nina and her husband Sophie Frontiero and also his beloved former daughter-in-law, Lauren Antia, as well as many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his brother Salvatore and his wife Virginia Randazza.
His funeral service will be held on Thursday in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9 – 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Interment will be held in the Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930.