HERKIMER – Mr. George J. Rando, age 87, a longtime Herkimer resident, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, January 17, 2023, at the Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. At the time of his passing he had the love and blessings of his family in his heart. Born on February 22, 1935, George was the son of the late Salvatore and Antoinette (Surace) Rando. He spent his childhood in Herkimer and was a graduate of Herkimer High School. Upon his graduation, George went on to serve in the United States Army overseas in Germany, receiving his honorable discharge on December 5, 1956. Upon his return stateside, George continued to further his education, first at SUNY Buffalo where he received a BS in Art Education in 1962; after which he went on to the Yale School of Art, earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts and eventually his Master of Fine Arts. George’s career was spent with the Greater Amsterdam School District where he held the position of Art Teacher for twenty-four years until his retirement. Subsequently, he was a life member of the New York State United Teachers Union. As a well-read person in the area of art, George vastly appreciated the simple beauty of nature. He was an avid gardener who took pride in his flowerbeds and in his spare time he loved fishing and spending time at his camp on Canadarago Lake. He also kept his mind sharp as he aged and he enjoyed doing puzzles. He practiced his Roman Catholic faith at Sts. Anthony & Joseph Church in Herkimer. He is survived by his brother, John Rando of Herkimer; his sisters, Angela Piscitello of Utica and Adeline Gorea of Frankfort; his nephew, Jack (Lynnette) Tresoline; his nieces, Karin (John) Piseck, Sheri Ferdula and Patti Tresoline; his great-nieces and great-nephews, Alex Tresoline, AJ Tresoline, Ashley Tresoline, Mike (Hayley) Zipko, Jamie Zipko and Jake Ferdula; two aunts, Mary Gigliotti of Herkimer and Josephine (John) Iocovozzi of Florida; along with several cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Salvatore Rando, Jr.; his brothers-in-law, Charles J. Piscitello and John J. Gorea; and by his nephew, Anthony Tresoline, Jr. Friends and relatives are invited to attend George’s funeral service which will commence on Saturday morning, January 21, 2023 at 11:00AM at Sts. Anthony & Joseph Church in Herkimer, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Terence Healy, assisted by Deacon James Bower. Spring interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery in Herkimer where George will be laid to rest in the family plot. The Rando family has entrusted the care of their beloved brother and uncle to the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street, Herkimer, NY (315) 866-1011, Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.