Randolph S. Jackson

Randolph "Randy" Jackson age 92 of Concord passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 at Concord Health Care Center. He was predeceased by his loving and devoted wife, Eleanor (Murphy) Jackson.

Randy was born April 13, 1919, in South Philadelphia. His early years were spent with family in Coatesville, PA, before enlisting in the US Navy in October 1942. Randy served as an Aviation Radioman (2nd Class) on the USS Charger and USS San Jacinto during the Second World War. He met his beloved wife, Eleanor, a USO hostess at the time, on a blind date that ended in a proposal. They were married October 1, 1944, after a whirlwind six week courtship.

During the early part of their sixty- five year marriage, Eleanor and Randy lived in Falmouth, MA, leading to a lifelong love of the Cape. After leaving Falmouth, they moved to Groton, CT, and then East Boston, MA. After the birth of their first daughter, Beverly, they moved to Somerville, MA. before settling in Concord, MA. Randy and Eleanor were residents of Concord for almost sixty years, where they raised their family and were active in the community. In 1957, Randy worked as a member of the Save Walden Committee of the Thoreau Society, which successfully lobbied to keep Walden Pond's beaches undeveloped. He also served as a mentor for the Junior Achievement program in Boston. After retirement, Randy and Eleanor volunteered for Meals on Wheels together. In their later years, Randy cared for Eleanor with the utmost in love, loyalty and devotion during her long illness.

Randy joined Ford Motor Company in June 1946, working at the Somerville Assembly plant, and retired as a Ford Parts Service Manager. He enjoyed an active retirement with his family and friends, many from the Ford community. Randy kept in touch with his many friends from his career at Ford, and brought his fellow retirees together as a community, organizing regular luncheons and an annual get-together for the group.

Randy was known for his irreverent sense of humor and story-telling abilities. He particularly delighted in telling stories to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, such as "The Tale of the Bull," always culminating in a display of the "scar" he received as proof of his tale. He was also known for leading the neighborhood children on annual fall "skunk hunts" and for his planned demonstration of flying from the roof, foiled by the "denial of clearance from air traffic control" at Hanscom AFB. Randy's sense of fun will be sorely missed by all of his family and friends.

Randy was very proud of his family, and is survived by his loving daughters Beverly and her husband Frank Sherman of Westford, Patricia and her husband Stephen Boyle of Concord; his grandchildren Susan and her husband Jay Saboliauskas, Katherine, Andrew, Rachel, Amy, and Laura, and his great-grandchildren Alexander, Allison, Caitlin, and Jack.

Concord's town flag will fly at half-staff on Monday, February 6th in honor of Mr. Jackson's service to his country during WWII.

Arrangements under the care of Glenn D. Burlamachi, Concord Funeral Home.

Proud to be family owned, operated and occupied since 1936.