Randy Tad Piersol

Randy Tad Piersol, 63, passed away at home on September 2, 2023

Born in Reading, PA, Randy grew up in Sinking Spring, Berks County, PA. He was son of the late Luther E. Piersol and Patricia (Guzzetti) Piersol.

Randy was the beloved husband of Catherine Verrier Piersol and devoted father of Luke Allson Piersol and Joshua Anthonie Piersol. Randy and Cathy celebrated their 36^th Wedding Anniversary on August 22^nd. He was the loving brother of Michael Piersol (Jamie), Steven Piersol, and Kristen Piersol-Stockton (Jerry) and brother-in-law and long-time friend of David L. Moyer (Alison).

Randy was a creative thinker and entrepreneurial at heart…his education and career over 40 years reflect his continuous desire to work in a fulfilling and meaningful way. He started his career in advertising, which sparked a successful transition to living and working in New York City, NY. Randy loved the city life and had many adventures there. 

The desire to change careers, led him back to PA in 1991 to Delaware Valley College (now Delaware Valley University). With a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, he worked at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District. There, he developed friendships that continued to the end of his life.  With an interest in teaching, Randy completed a Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania in 2000 and taught in a variety of settings over the next 6 years; however, he returned to the Army Corps, first to the New York District and then to Philadelphia, followed by a position with the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2019.

Randy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2021, underwent surgery in January 2022 followed by 9 months of chemotherapy; yet, while going through chemotherapy, Randy interviewed and was offered a position that brought him back to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in a liaison role with the Environmental Protection Agency, an agency he had sought to work years ago. Although he was in this position for a short period of time before the disease took over, Randy’s contributions were valued and he enjoyed the challenge of the work and being back “home” at the Corps.

Randy loved horticulture – he enjoyed landscaping and always transformed the yards where he lived with his family into something beautiful. Gardening remained a hobby; however, his entrepreneurial spirit and long-term interest, knowledge and skill in the world of “buying and selling” and “finding, fixing and selling” was his passion. He loved going to auctions – in the early years, he would go in person with Luke on his shoulders. Bidding at auctions, buying lockers, picking up “treasures” on the side of the road, and refurbishing and selling these possessions was more than a hobby for Randy – it was in his DNA! Randy leaves behind treasured friendships from all these facets of his life. He was loved by many.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM followed by his Memorial Service at 11:00 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA. Those who attend are invited to celebrate his life at the Piersol’s home following the Service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Randy may be made to the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Jefferson Health at https://giving.jefferson.edu/giving-guide/research/skcc.html. Please choose “Pancreatic Cancer Surgical Research” as the designation and include “Randy Piersol” in the notes.

Thank you in advance for your generosity to help improve treatment options for others like Randy.