Don Randell ’32

Don Randell died at his home in Pineland, Fla., July 10, 1995.

Don prepared at the George School, majored in geology at Princeton, and graduated with a commission in the Field Artillery Reserve. In 1941 he married Patricia Crandon. He earned a certified financial analyst degree, and in his early career handled investments at U.S. Trust Co. in N.Y.C.

During WWII, he was called to Washington, D.C., but later requested a transfer to the fighting and joined the 26th Division Artillery serving under Gen. George S. Patton. After the war and retiring from the army, Col. Randell worked as an analyst for the oil-and-gas industry on Wall Street.

In the 1960s when retirement was near, Don settled on the west coast of Florida in Pineland, on Pine Island. He became involved politically and brought in a real concern for the area's environment long before that was fashionable. He was a good man-a visionary who was honest and very tough.

Don's land holdings on Pine Island included an important Calusa Indian and pre-Calusan archaeological site and shell mounds. He became widely known for his outstanding contributions to the study of Florida archaeology, and he was responsible for the beginning of the southwest Florida archaeological project in 1983.

Don loved Princeton and was active in the Princeton Club of Southwest Florida. He often spoke fondly of his classmates and his love for the university. He will be missed by us all and by his friends.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; sons Crandon and Ricky; daughter Debbie; and three grandchildren.

The Class of 1932