Reverend Robert J. RANDALL, 99, Pastor Emeritus of St. Sebastian Parish, Providence, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Born in Newport, son of the late Robert A. and Marie (Niland) Randall, he attended St. Mary, St. Augustin Schools, and De LaSalle Academy, all in Newport.
In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at Our Lady of Providence Seminary, Warwick, at St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore, and at the Theological College, Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. He was ordained a priest on May 19, 1951, at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul by Bishop Russell J. McVinney.
After a summer assignment at St. Mary Parish in Carolina, Father Randall was appointed assistant pastor at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in Providence in September 1951. In 1953, he became a professor at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Warwick. In 1960, he completed postgraduate studies in Oxford, England. He resumed his teaching ministry at the Seminary in 1961, while residing at St. Timothy and St. Peter parishes in Warwick as part-time assistant pastor. In June 1970, Father became the Rector of Our Lady of Providence Seminary. He was appointed Administrator of St. Andrew Parish in Block Island and professor at Providence College in 1976. In 1988, he became pastor of St. Sebastian Parish in Providence and continued teaching at Providence College until 1995 where he loved his students and forged lifelong friendships. In 1997, Father Randall retired from St. Sebastian Parish as Pastor Emeritus.
In addition to his other duties, Father Randall was a member of the Diocesan Music Commission and of the Commission on Sacred Liturgy; as well as of the Board of Continuing Education of the Clergy. After retirement, he lived in Wakefield and assisted in various parishes. For several years, Father Randall spent winters in Florida and provided priestly ministry there. In his final years, Father Randall lived at St. Clare Home, Newport where he served as chaplain for the last two years and gave nightly piano concerts for the residents.
The eldest of five siblings, he was predeceased by his brother, Fr. John Randall and two sisters, Sr. Mary Randall and Joan Soares. Fr. Randall is survived by his sister Theresa Zimmerly and her husband, Carl Zimmerly of Elyria, Ohio as well as several nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
An avid golfer and accomplished musician, Fr. Randall was regarded as the family patriarch. A priest, son, brother, uncle, teacher, friend, and confidant, he will be dearly missed by many.
Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, May 20 from 4:00pm-7:00pm in the O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring St, Newport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, May 21 at 10:00 AM, St. Mary’s Church, corner of Spring St & Memorial Blvd, Newport. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery, 465 Browns Ln, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew Parish Restore & Save Capital Campaign, P.O. Box 279, Block Island, RI 02807, https://www.standrewblockisland.com/.
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