Randell (Randy) Armour Bostwick, known affectionately as Wick, Arm or Papa, passed away peacefully at 103 years old on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Severna Park, Maryland.

Randy was born October 24, 1922, to Anna Mae Lloyd and Clifton Albright Bostwick in Niles, Ohio. He was the youngest of four children. Only he and his brother Donald survived to adulthood. He grew up in Ohio with his large extended family close by. His father had a gentle nature and his mother had a head for business. Above all else, they were his number one fans. He followed Donald to the University of Michigan, but left school in his second year after attending a football game in a "good looking" but impractical coat and getting pneumonia.

After recovering, he transferred to Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA. In the spring of 1942, he enlisted in the army with fellow classmates. He spent 22 months in Europe attached to the Seventh Army Medical Depot Company, attaining the rank of captain. Author Rona Simmons captured his recollections of this period in her book, The Other Veterans of World War II: Stories from Behind the Front Lines. He came home in 1946 and returned to Westminster. There, he met the love of his life, Jane Elizabeth Foster. They were married on August 28, 1948, and their union lasted 69 years.

The army called him back to active duty in 1950 during the Korean War, but this time he was stateside. After serving, Randy worked for 38 years at The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company (A&P). Randy and Jane lived in Pittsburgh, PA for many years, but when he was transferred to A&P headquarters in New York City in 1969, they moved to Summit, NJ. He retired as a corporate VP and president and CEO of Super Market Service Corp, an A&P subsidiary. He adjusted to retired life well, although he rarely complained about working and frequently spoke about what inspired him on the job – which was mostly the people, and setting up systems and teams that ran smoothly. He often preferred to talk to those on the frontlines versus those in the board room, as he was a problem-solver and felt he could only diagnose issues if he talked with those who had hands-on experience.

Retirement allowed him to spend more time with Jane and his family, and to travel. It also brought a new home, as he and Jane moved to Hoboken, NJ and lived on the Hudson River. He loved watching ships go up and down the river. His thoughts typically went to how he had gotten so lucky in his military service, career, faith and family. He continued to make connections and broaden out his community, meeting new friends well into his nineties when he and Jane moved to the Cedar Crest Retirement community in Pompton Plains, NJ. His final move to Severna Park happened just weeks before he passed away. Not many would move at 103 years old, but he never tired of experiencing new people and places and he was up for it. The care team in Severna Park said that in a very short time he had, “left his mark.”

His longevity came from his positive outlook, good genes and wisdom. He possessed a rare and wonderful ability to find joy in everyday pursuits — a good book, a crossword puzzle, a conversation with a friend, or the simple presence of his family. He never met a baby he didn't want to hold, a bowl of onion soup he didn't love and a bargain he didn't appreciate. He was a great storyteller who entertained generations with his stories, always with a slight smile and twinkle in his eye. No one gave better hugs or would hold your hand tighter. He moved through the world finding goodness in people and gratitude in moments big and small.

He is preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife, Jane, and his brother, Donald. His legacy is one of moments: the countless stories that will be retold, the lessons in kindness that were quietly observed, and the deep and abiding love he gave so freely. This spirit will be cherished by his children, Suzanne, Sherrard, Randy Jr. and daughter-in-law Betsy; his grandchildren, Maryia, Matthias, and Sam and spouses Keith, Erin and Becca; and his great-grandchildren Matthew, Hailey, Vivien, Aliana, Ben, Lilith, Lorena, as well as Foster, Wilson, Bostwick nieces, nephews and those far and wide who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held at 1 pm Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Central Presbyterian Church, 70 Maple St., Summit, New Jersey where Randy was a member for nearly 57 years.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Central Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, or a charity that has impacted your life.

The family would like to give special thanks to Caring People, Visiting Angels, Compassionate Care Hospice, Hospice of the Chesapeake and Sunrise Severna Park Assisted Living. Thanks to all of these caregivers, Randy left this world as he lived in it: with grace, dignity, and surrounded by love.