Hi, I’m abby, Randy’s favorite second daughter. Not his second favorite - just to be clear.

I recognized at a really young age that having a dad who was totally present & completely loving was a gift.

There is so much to say so I thought I’d narrow it down to 3 things he taught me

1: how to worship
2: how to love sacrificially
3: how to lead intentionally

He taught me how to worship

From the time i can remember, Dads retinue every day was to walk on the treadmill while singing acapella worship songs soo loud! Or sometimes he just shout prayed over the sound of the treadmill. After walking, he’d pick up his guitar and continue to pray and worship through music.

Dad was just totally unashamed & vulnerable in his relationship with God which created a comfortably for us with God too.

I remember how much I hated high school. After some girl drama, I decided not to go to prom my senior year. Instead, dad booked us a weekend at International House of Prayer. We spent the weekend in the prayer room which i think bsck on often, it was a pivotal weekend for me.


2nd - He taught me how to love sacrificially.

Well, let’s be honest, he set the example and I haven’t come close to achieving it. But he did love so so well

I watched dad love mom & us so sacrificially. He did everything he could to make sure all 5 kids and his wife were taken care of - delivering pizzas when we were young and going out to the oil fields to work when I was in college. On top of work and church responsibilities, building a business ans rebuilding it, we saw dad LOVE mom

They weren’t shy with affection. As teens, When we had friends over, they loved to make out in front of everyone to make them feel uncomfortable. They held hands, laughed, and loved each other so well. It set a great example of a loving Godly couple for our family.

Dad loved his kids - including the three that have joined our family. When Tommy and I were just getting to know each other I was telling them that he was going to be alone for thanksgiving since we were going to AZ and his family isnt in town either. They offered to fly Tommy down to AZ, put him up at a hotel - better believe we couldn’t sleep in the same house - and have him spend the week with us. I called Tommy and was like, “this might be weird but my parents want to invite you on our family trip…” Tommy was hooked since then. Dad welcomed Tommy in with open arms and offered to be his MN dad.

He taught me how to be an intentional leader

He was intentional when it came to relationships. Almost always when talking to dad, he’d stop & completely pay attention. He’d pause his game or put down the bills. I always knew he was a safe place to be honest about what was going on in my life.

we heard all the time, “the relationship is more important than being right”

He talked a lot about creating culture intentionally - both in the family and as a business leader. Once we all started moving out and coming over for family dinners dad would say “we hug in this family” and “we always pray when someone leaves” he set the culture.

If you knew my dad, you know. If you didn’t know him personally and are here to support us, thank you. But you know him too -

Maria, I see dad in you the way you fiercely defend those you love.
Jordan, I see my dad in you by the way YOURE tenderly loving your wife and daughters
Dan, I see dad in your silly dad jokes and confident leadership. You were his spitting image as a kid and have grown into his shoes leading your family and now RE.
Jessica, I see dad in you the way you can stay calm cool & collected in emotionally charged conversations. You balance our family dynamic so well
Tommy, I see my dad in you by the way you can hyper focus on something you’re passionate about.
Christina, I see dad in you the way you SEE people ans have the ability to make people feel loved, safe and heard.
JAKE, I see dad in you the way you enjoy spending time with mom. To be honest, I’d say sense of humor but you’re way funnier than he is

Mom, you’ve been dads partner in crime for over 30 years. You balanced each other so well and also challenged one another to be better. Iron sharpening iron! we are going to be here for you in this next season. I’m going to speak on behalf of all your family and friends, we are FOR you and love you.

We hope you know you’re loved by God & are motivated to make The world would be a better place Being A Blessing, just like dad.

From Steve Teneriello

Dear Smith Family,

It was sad to hear the news of the passing of Randy on facebook.

Randy was a funny guy. He always made you laugh and always thanked you for doing your job. Randy was a hard worker, a fighter, and a go-getter. I met Randy about ten years ago – he was one of my first clients. He was in the early stages of growing his business. I remember how he would do residential electrical work a few days a week as Randy Smith Electrical and how he would drive to the oil fields and work there to support his family. His goal was to never drive to the oil fields again. He wanted to spend more time at home.

As I got to know Randy over the years he had a thirst for business knowledge, a passion for God, a love for his family and was incredibly motivated to grow. It was amazing to watch Randy in action as he grew his business, how he created an amazing brand in Randy’s Electric and how he did it in such a cool and confident way. In his own right, Randy was a marketing genius among other talents. He was a man with a big heart who cared for people and put them first. He provided jobs, cared for his family, cared for his employees, cared for his customers and the people at his church.

I always enjoyed speaking to Randy about his home life, his kids and his spirituality. He was a devoted man of God. I remember to this day one of our conversations where he spoke about raising his kids – and I quote his words: “it was important for me to look my kids in the eye, get down to their level and speak with them - developing a personal relationship.” This was solid advice and something I practice with my own children.

I wanted to reach out and express my condolences. I am very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to your and your family. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

God bless you and your family,

Steve Teneriello
Newburyport, MA