Randall D. Buzzell

Athol - Randall D. Buzzell, 71, of Athol died on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at home with his family at his side.

He leaves his wife, Susan Weber; his son, Mark Buzzell and his wife Jonila of Massachusetts; his daughter, Nicole Kelly and her husband Ryan of Maryland; his step-son, Andrew Weber of Massachusetts; his step-daughters, Erica Brod and her husband Scott of New Jersey and Jennifer Davis and her husband Gerald of Florida; six grandchildren, Gwenyth and Owen Kelly, Aria and Jason Buzzell, Skye Brod, and Aja Davis; his brother, Danny Buzzell and his life partner Gayle Roach of Massachusetts; his two sisters, Jill L. Tirrell of Massachusetts, and Jayne DeLuca and her husband Leslie of Massachusetts; two nephews, Aaron Lariviere and Timothy Buzzell; his uncle, Richard Buzzell and his wife, Catherine; his aunt, Doris Labossiere.  

Randall (Randy) was born in Ware, son of the late Roger H. and Estalene R. (Martin) Buzzell and was raised in West Brookfield, Massachusetts.

Randy attended Worcester State College and graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics.

Randall was a Software and Web Developer at Metso Flow Control, Inc (formally Jamesbury) where he worked for 38 years, before retiring on March 1, 2012.

Randy loved spending time with his children and grandchildren whenever possible.  When he was not able to see them in person, he enjoyed video calling. He was especially fond of playing “Peek-a-Boo” with the little ones over video chatting. 

Randy enjoyed outdoor activities, and he especially enjoyed downhill skiing at Mount Wachusett.  He participated and enjoyed NASTAR (NAtional STAndards Race) ski racing at the mountain for many years. Randy also enjoyed kayaking, hiking, bicycling, swimming, and occasionally cross country skiing when his wife nudged him a little.  Randy was known to lead the way down a river through rapids with friends and family members following behind; thus, he was given the family nickname of “Pappa Duck.” Randy alway had a sense of adventure and was known to spontaneously turn into an unexplored dirt road just for the fun of it, and this led to lots of adventures in the forests of New England. Randy also enjoyed traveling and sometimes his travels turned into adventures unexpectedly. Randy enjoyed off-road motorcycle riding with his childhood friends, and that also led to wild and crazy fun.

Randy was a loving, caring husband, dad, grandpa, and brother.  He had a kind, intelligent, good natured spirit that was always ready to help a friend or family member who was in need. He was a good listener, using his kind heart to hear and process.  His glass was always half-full, even when Parkinson’s Disease tried draining his glass, he found ways to keep his glass full. 

Services for Randall will be held privately.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Association Massachusetts Chapter, 72 East Concord Street, Room C3, Boston, MA 02118, or by visiting https://www.apdaparkinson.org/community/massachusetts/ways-to-give-ma/donate/

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield is assisting his family with arrangements.  

An online guest book is available at varnumfuneralhome.com.  

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