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Randolph J. Morley Obituary

Randolph J. Morley

December 10, 1956 - October 15, 2025

Randolph J. Morley Obituary

Oneonta, NY - ONEONTA - Randolph "Randy" James Morley, 68, of Oneonta and Surprise, Arizona, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2025, with his family by his side.

Born Dec. 10, 1956, in Oneonta, he was the son of Ralph J. and Beulah "Bea" (Favreau) Morley. Randy was a proud United States Marine Corps veteran, serving from 1976 to 1980, and attained the rank of Sergeant.

He married his high school sweetheart, Ellen Joanne Lyons, June 18, 1977, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

Upon completing his military service, Randy pursued his passion for craftsmanship, attending the James Krenov College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking Program from 1983 to 1984, where he refined the artistry and skill that would define his career. He and Ellen went on to become the owners and founders of RJ Millworkers, a custom cabinetry and manufacturing company they established together in 1992. Their work included a wide range of projects, from custom residential cabinetry to specialized commercial builds such as medical coaches, Lacoste, and Coach leather goods stores. Together, they built the business from the ground up, with Randy serving as master craftsman until his retirement in 2018. Their dedication, skill, and pride in their work earned them the respect of clients and peers alike.

Before establishing their business, Randy was a semi-professional motocross rider who competed in D3 Motocross (AMA District #3). He raced at Morley's Motocross Track, founded by his father, Ralph J. Morley, during the mid-1970s. His lifelong love of motorsports continued through dirt biking, snowmobiling, side-by-side riding, and off-roading.

After marrying Ellen, the couple moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where their first daughter was born at the Naval Air Base. They later moved to California, living in Malibu, Eureka, Ventura, and Fort Bragg, before returning to New York in 1985, where they built their home and raised their family.

Randy was an avid hunter, golfer, and traveler who loved movies and music. After retiring, he and Ellen traveled extensively in their RV, covering more than 50,000 miles in five years, towing a double-decker trailer carrying their four-wheel vehicle, side-by-side, and dirtbike. Their journeys took them across the United States, ultimately landing them in their Arizona home, where they continued to enjoy the sunshine, open roads, and new adventures together.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ellen; children, Heather Michelle Morley and Ryan James and Jennifer (Critton) Morley; and was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Shauna Nicole Morley. He was a cherished grandfather to John Robert Saia, Juliette Nicole Saia, and Renee Jessamine Morley, and is survived by John Saia, father of John Robert and Juliette Nicole Saia.

Randy is also survived by his siblings, Terry and BettyAnn (Stuhl) Morley, Darlene "Rikki" and Jesse Saunders, Bradford Morley, Elizabeth (Rowley-Morley), Karen (Lyons) Olmstead, Diane Lyons, Tomas and Pamela (Smith) Lyons, Paul and Alison (Derrick) Lyons, and Susan Lyons and Edward Gadomski; and was predeceased by his brother, Gary Robert Morley. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles, as well as his brother-in-law, Patrick Olmstead; all of whom will remember his warmth, humor, and love for family.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph J. and Beulah "Bea" Morley, as well as his father- and mother-in-law, Robert Lyons and Ruth (Swantek) Lyons.

Randy's loyal mini schnauzer and service dog, Ava Maria, was always by his side, offering comfort, companionship, and unconditional love.

A devoted Catholic and proud Marine, Randy will be remembered for his generous heart, contagious laughter, love of adventure, music, and zest for life. His legacy of love, craftsmanship, and thrill for living will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Viewing (calling hours) will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.

Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 30, at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Church, 125 Eagle St., Albany.

Burial with military honors will follow at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.lhpfuneralhome.com

Oneonta, NY - ONEONTA - Randolph "Randy" James Morley, 68, of Oneonta and Surprise, Arizona, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2025, with his family by his side.

Born Dec. 10, 1956, in Oneonta, he was the son of Ralph J. and Beulah "Bea" (Favreau) Morley. Randy was a proud United States Marine Corps veteran, serving from 1976 to 198

Published on October 21, 2025

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