Randall Craig Asbell – The Press Democrat News Coverage

Randall Craig Asbell

OBITUARY

Randall Craig Asbell February 17, 1952 – December 8, 2021 Randall Craig Asbell took his final bow at his home in Petaluma surrounded by his family on December 8, 2021. Randall was diagnosed with tonsillar cancer in the spring of this year and put up a good fight right until the end. Randall was born at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital on February 17, 1952 to Joseph Clifford and Dorothy Helen Asbell. The following year the family moved from their West St. home in Petaluma to an acre and a quarter property on Sunny Slope Ave. Randall attended elementary school at Mc Near School, Petaluma Junior High and Petaluma High School. As a kid and having access to Mc Near Park less than three blocks away, he spent many of his childhood summers there playing baseball and becoming quite adept at archery. Randall worked at Purity Market which was eventually torn down and was replaced by what is now Petaluma Market. He later worked as a cheese maker and delivery man for Marin French Cheese Company in Nicasio for a number of years. Randall had grown up wanting to be a dentist and to that end went to UC Berkeley. He ended up getting his degree in psychology, but music was his calling. Randall was introduced to music at a young age by his mother Dorothy, and piano became his main joy and eventually his livelihood. He played in a couple of local bands, backed up an Elvis impersonator, performed one man gigs, played at a local piano bar, and also played organ for four different churches: St. James, St. Vincent, Elim Lutheran, and St. John Episcopal. In addition, he directed the choir at both St. Vincent and St. James. He played music for weddings and funerals as well and later on played for Sunrise Senior Center and Windsor Care Center. Randall had a great sense of humor and if you were around him for any length of time, this was obvious. He touched many people with his generosity and kindness. He loved cooking and getting people together to play music while imparting his musical knowledge teaching others. Randall is survived by his former wife, Maria, his daughter Maranda, his brother Gregory, his companion Sharon Piezzi and long time friend from childhood, Richard Albertoni. He also leaves behind many friends from the A.A. Fellowship. He was predeceased by both his parents, Clifford and Dorothy. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Rooster Run Golf Course, 2301 E. Washington St. Petaluma, on December 18, 2021 at 2PM. Donations in Randall’s name may be made to Hospice of Petaluma.