Randolph Louis Hermatz was born December 8, 1957, to Louis Hermatz & Marigold (Marie) Hermatz (née Loehndorf). He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on October 2, 2023. He is survived by his loving wife Florence (Green) Hermatz and six children, Randolph Louis II (Amanda), Paul Nicholas, Matthew John, Daniel Alexander, Lauren Margaret, and Kyle Brandon. He was a devoted brother to his three deaf sisters, Michelle (Joe) Kulpa, Marcy (Robert) Woodard, Lisa Hermatz; loving uncle to his five nieces, Tiffany (Dave) Reidy, Stephanie Woodard, Vanessa (Ryan) Marsh, Monessa Chahayed, Linnea Chahayed, and his nephew, Michael Kerr, II.  He is also survived by his mother-in-law Josephine Green and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mary and Michael Kerr and five grandnieces and grandnephews.

Upon graduating from Garden City West High School at the top of his class in 1976 (nicknamed "The Brain"), he joined the U.S. Navy. After six years, he met the love of his life, Flo, whom he had been married to for his remaining 39 years. He proudly carried out a 40-year career with NAPA Auto Parts Distribution Center during which he and Flo raised their six loving children. He was a longtime active member of the Burger's Autism School Association (BASA) and was a passionate advocate for Autos for Autism, a non-profit he was a co-founder of in 2001, and co-chaired for many subsequent years.

His love for music was ever-present throughout his life: playing guitar, singing, and composing poignant songs, including some for his kids. An eloquent writer and storyteller, his other creative interests included creating home movies. Being the philosophical human he was, he was a teacher to all of us in a myriad of ways. He was a searing prankster and a witty punster.

Words cannot accurately summarize or recreate the full essence of who he was; he was truly one-of-a-kind. As one of his cousins quipped, "In one moment, Randy could recite nearly 100% of Monty Python's sketches, and in the next, regulate and run a nuclear aircraft carrier engine. But in every moment, he would listen closely and respond thoughtfully to whatever you had to say." He deeply loved his family and friends. We will miss him always. Rest in Paradise, Randy.

Visitation Saturday 2 pm until the 7 pm Funeral Service at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a cause that was near and dear to his heart:

AUTOS FOR AUTISM on behalf of the Burger School of Autism www.autosforautismgc.com/donate

Comment: "In honor of Randy Hermatz" or mail donations to PO Box 6085, Plymouth, Michigan 48170.