In Loving Memory of Randolph “Randy” Samuel Kinder
- Wade Funeral Home
- Nov 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 8
Randolph “Randy” Samuel Kinder
December 12, 1944 - November 2, 2025
Randolph “Randy” Samuel Kinder, a longtime resident of Stamford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025 in Silver Spring, Maryland at the age of 80.
Randy was born on December 12, 1944, in Chester, Pennsylvania, to Mildred Ricks and Samuel R. Kinder.
A lifelong scholar and servant leader, Randy earned his bachelor’s degree from Howard
University and completed the Executive Education program at Harvard Business School. His commitment to service began after college, when he joined the AmeriCorps VISTA program, marking the start of a remarkable career dedicated to civic engagement and public good.Randy’s professional journey was both wide-ranging and deeply impactful. He held positions as a political advisor, investment banker, and consultant.
He was a longstanding leader in the Democratic party and served under Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Randy counseled numerous political leaders, including presidential candidate Michael Dukakis, Vice President Kamala Harris, and mayors Willie Brown, David Dinkins, Shirley Franklin, Ernest “Dutch” Morial, Marc Morial, and Coleman Young. He was a trusted confidant and Chief of Staff to Patricia Roberts Harris in her historic roles as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Secretary of Health and Human Services.
In the private sector, Randy held leadership roles in the insurance and investment banking industries and provided strategic consulting in behavioral health and municipal management. His lifelong dedication to education, culture, and community was reflected in his service on the Boards of Lincoln University, The Barnes Foundation, and the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. He was a member of the Connecticut Guardsmen, the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (The Boule) and the First United Methodist Church in Stamford.
Above all his professional achievements, Randy’s greatest pride and joy were his two sons. He was the devoted father of Randolph “Randy” S. Kinder III whom he raised with his former wife Mignonne Radja, and Cameron Lee Kinder, whom he raised with his former wife Susan Johnson. He was their most steadfast supporter - present at every athletic event, academic milestone, and life transition - and he took immense pride in the men they became. He also had a very special place in his heart for his granddaughter, Fiona Kinder, and brightened up every time he saw her.
Randy was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Ricks; his father, Samuel R. Kinder; his brother, Franklin Delano Kinder, his stepfather Clifton V. Ricks, and his former wife Joan Logue.
He leaves to cherish his memory his son Randy and his wife Erin Blake, and their daughter Fiona Anastasia Kinder; his son Cameron and his fiancé Emmie Kiely; his sister-in-law Ummuna Gebre Kinder; and his nieces Azeb T. Kinder and Almaz D. Kinder.
He will be celebrated by a host of friends and family members.
Randy’s life was one of impact, integrity, and purpose. His wisdom, humor, and appreciation for a good time socializing with friends, leave an enduring legacy for his family, his community, and all who were fortunate to know him.
Donations in Randy’s memory may be sent to:
Howard University Student Scholarships
The 100 Black Men of Stamford Scholarship Programs
The Mikva Challenge